bourlaw
(ˈbʊəlɔː)
A form of byrlaw, used in the comb. bourlawmen in south of Scotland.
| 1866 Proc. Berw. Nat. Club 261 There is a court consisting of two bourlawmen appointed by the bailie. 1879 S. Counties (Scotl.) Register in Athenæum 16 Aug. 208 Berwickshire: Earlston: Court of Bourlawmen..The men holding this somewhat rare office are sworn when appointed to give judgment, to the best of their knowledge and ability, in cases that come before them, and their decision is understood to be absolute in point of law. Their work as Bourlawmen consists in fixing the amount of damages done by straying or pounded cattle and the like. |