Eelduge

Eelduge is a term that appears in historical Anglo-Saxon legal texts, most notably the laws of King Alfred the Great. It refers to the specific legal concept of a man's liability for the actions of his dependents. Essentially, it dictated that a man was responsible for the deeds of his wife, children, and slaves living under his roof. This responsibility could extend to fines or other penalties if his dependents committed offenses.

The concept of eelduge highlights the patriarchal societal structure prevalent in Anglo-Saxon England. It emphasized the authority and control a man was expected to exert over his household. If a dependent caused harm or broke a law, the head of the household could be held accountable, implying a duty to prevent such transgressions. The specifics of eelduge varied, but it generally meant that the lord or master bore the brunt of the legal consequences, rather than the individual perpetrator directly, especially in cases involving lower-status individuals or family members. This legal principle underscores the importance of familial and household unity in the enforcement of law and order during that period.