infangthief

English

Alternative forms

• infang (shortened)
• infangthef

Etymology

From Middle English infangthef, from Old English infangeneþēof (“infangthief”), equivalent to infang +‎ thief.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɪnfæŋθiːf/

Noun

infangthief

1. the right of a lord to punish a thief caught within the bounds of his property
   • 1964, Anthony Burgess, The Eve of St Venus:

     The wrought-iron gates (infangthief and outfangthief in heavy balls on the gate-posts) were open for their hard-breathing entry.

Related terms

• outfangthief