A spouse, according to Brehon Law, but a term which most usually denoted the chief wife; wife of highest legal standing.

Family group of four generations comprising one person, ie. the grandfather of the individual, and his father, his brothers, their children, his paternal uncles, and their children and grandchildren.

Inheritable property of a deceased person, according to Brehon Law.

Land which is the hereditary possession of a 'fine'.

A 'tenant at will' is settled by the lord (flaith) on a portion of the latter's land; his services to the lord are always undefined. Although his condition is semi-sevile, he retains the right to abandon his holding on giving due notice to the lord and surrendering to him two thirds of the produces husbandry.

Mother's kin or tribe; maternal kinsfolk.

One come form overseas; a foreigner, often distinguished from a deoraid (who has been exiled).

A technical term for the hereditary serf or villain who holds a parcel of land in return for uncertain services and is adscriptous glebae, passing as an appurtenance should the land be alienated.

Literature (title of) collection of ancient Irish law-tracts

Commonly used name for the Irish Church Act 1869

Often translated as 'fratricide' or 'parricide', but is wider in meaning to include wounding or slaying of any relative.