ward-holding Sc. Hist.
[f. ward n.2 + holding.]
In feudal law, a tenure of lands in ward (see ward n.2 9), i.e. by military service.
| 1681 Stair Instit. i. xiii. §31. 252 The main importance of a Ward-holding was indefinite service to be performed by the Vassal to his Superiour, and especially in War. 1684 Sir G. Mackenzie Inst. Law Scot. ii. iv. (1694) 71 Ward-holding, which is the properest holding, is called servitium militare; and all Lands are therefore presumed to hold Ward, except another holding be express'd. a 1712 in W. Macfarlane Geneal. Coll. (S.H.S.) II. 154 He got his Ward Holding changed into Taxt Ward. 1747 Act 20 Geo. II, c. 50 (title) An Act for taking away the Tenure of Ward Holding in Scotland. 1897 J. C. Lees Hist. Inverness xii. 204 The right of ward-holding, by which landlords commanded the military services of their tenants, was also done away with. |
| attrib. 1758 J. Dalrymple Ess. Feudal Property (ed. 2) 246 The ward-holding act and the jurisdiction act were the ideas of..lord Bacon. |