Capite

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In old English law, a capite (from Latin caput, head) was a tenure in subinfeudation, by which either person or land was held immediately of the king, or of his crown, either by knight-service or socage. [1] A holder of a capite is termed a tenant-in-chief.

Tenures in capite were abolished by the Tenures Abolition Act 1660.

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References

  1. Davies, John, ed. (1762). A Report of Cases and Matters of Law, Resolved and Adjudged in the King's Courts in Ireland. Dublin: Printed for Sarah Cotter. p.  160.