Borough English in United Kingdom

Meaning of Borough English

The following is an old definition of Borough English [1]: A custom prevalent in some parts of England (chiefly in old boroughs) by which the youngest son inherited the father’s estate. So called to distinguish it from the Norman rule of primogeniture, see, in this resource, the term The oldest sons were provided for as they grew up; the younger remained at home and might have been left destitute but for this law.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Concept of Borough English provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)