Churl

[Sax. ceorl; L. Lat. ceorltis, cirltuf, cirliscus.] In Saxon law. A freeman of inferior rank, chiefly employed in husbandry.

1 Heevea* Hist. Eng. Law, 5.

A tenant at will of free condition

who held land from a thane, on condition of rents and services. CowelL See CeorL CI, (7y, Si. L. Fr. So. Pur ceo que fine est ci Juiult barre, et de ci graund force, H de ci puissant nature; because a fine is so high a bar, and of so great force, and of so powerful a nature. Stat, Modus Lev.Fin. 2 Inst. 610. Ci Dieu vous eyde (aide); so help you God. Beg. Grig. 302 b, 303. Britton uses si, (q. v.)

See Oath.