Definition

Noun: * A former English custom of inheritance: "Borough English" refers to a specific, historical legal custom in England where the youngest son, rather than the eldest, inherited all of his father's real estate (land and buildings) upon the father's death. This practice explicitly excluded the older brothers from inheriting the land.

Usage Notes

• This term is historical and legal. It is not used in modern, everyday language.
• It describes a specific local custom that was the opposite of the more common rule of primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits).
• The custom was abolished by law in 1925.

Examples

• Historical/Legal Context:
  • In some medieval English towns, the custom of borough English meant that the youngest son would receive the family home.
  • The lawyer explained that the will was invalid because the estate was subject to borough English, a custom giving everything to the youngest child.
  • Scholars study borough English to understand variations in medieval inheritance laws.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in academic, historical, or legal discussions about English common law and medieval customs.
• It is sometimes contrasted with the related custom of "Borough French" or "Gavelkind," which involved dividing an estate among all sons.

Variants and Related Words

• Primogeniture (n): The opposite and more common custom, where the eldest son inherits the entire estate.
• Ultimogeniture (n): The general term for any inheritance system where the youngest child is the principal heir. "Borough English" is a specific form of ultimogeniture.
• Gavelkind (n): A related historical custom, prevalent in Kent, where land was divided equally among sons.

Synonyms

• Ultimogeniture (academic/general term)
• Junior right (descriptive synonym)

Antonyms

• Primogeniture
• Seniority (in the context of inheritance)

Noun

1. a former English custom by which the youngest son inherited land to the exclusion of his older brothers