Definition
An obsolete Anglo-French term appearing in early English legal texts, meaning "to plough." The term itself carries no independent legal doctrine but surfaces in medieval treatises on agricultural tenure and manorial obligation, where the duty to plough land formed part of villeinage services owed to a lord. The term is closely associated with ARER, of which it appears to be a variant form.
Why It Matters in Research
Researchers working in medieval land law, villeinage, or manorial tenure may encounter ARRER in early English legal texts, particularly Britton. The term signals an agricultural service obligation rather than a money payment, which matters when distinguishing between types of feudal duty. Do not confuse the term with ARRERAGIUM or ARREARS, which appear nearby in historical dictionaries and concern unpaid balances — a conceptually distinct subject. The proximity of these entries in Burrill's creates a navigational hazard: a researcher scanning for arrears-related material may land on ARRER without recognizing the shift from agricultural service to debt obligation. The connection between the two concepts is etymological and organizational, not doctrinal.
Historical Dictionary Support
Burrill's Law Dictionary defines ARRER solely as "to plough," citing Britton, c. 5, and cross-referencing ARER. Burrill situates the entry immediately before ARRERAGIUM, which concerns unpaid rent and balances due on account — a juxtaposition that reflects alphabetical organization rather than conceptual relationship. Burrill offers no further elaboration on ARRER beyond the single-word gloss, which is consistent with its status as a term of purely historical and antiquarian interest by the time of Burrill's compilation. No definition of independent legal significance is supplied, and no secondary authority beyond Britton is cited. Researchers should note that the historical dictionaries provide minimal guidance on this term precisely because its operational significance had long since dissolved by the era of modern legal writing.
Jurisdictional Note
ARRER is a term of medieval English law with no operational significance in any modern jurisdiction. It appears only in historical sources treating Anglo-Norman and early common law materials.