Tenants By The Verge

These "are in the same nature as tenants by copy of court roll [i. e., copyholders]. But the reason why they be called 'tenants by the verge' is, for that when they will surrender their tenements into the hands of their lord to the use of another, they shall have a little rod (by the custome) in their hand, the which they shall deliver to the steward or to the bailife, * * * and the steward or bailife, according to the custome, shall deliver to him that taketh the land the same rod, or another rod, in the name of seisin; and for this cause they are called 'tenants by the verge;' but they have no other evidence [title deed] but by copy of court roll." Litt. § 78; Co. Litt. 61a. TENAUNT (Law Fr. from tener, to hold).

In old English law. Tenant; a tenant.