byrlaw

noun

byr·​law

ˈbirˌlȯ,

ˈbiəˌlȯ

variants or burlaw

ˈbərˌlȯ,

ˈbə̄ˌlȯ

plural -s

: the local custom or law of a vill, township, or rural district in the north of England or in Scotland that governs disputes relating especially to boundaries, dates of plowing, and use of common land

also : a particular custom or law established by common consent of the landholders of such a district

Word History

Etymology

Middle English birelage, birlawe, perhaps from (assumed) Old Norse bȳjar lög, from Old Norse bȳjar (genitive of bȳr town) + lög law

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