teittunn

Teittunn is a term that appears in historical records primarily from the medieval period, referring to a specific type of land holding or a fee associated with land. While its exact definition and prevalence varied across different regions and time periods, it generally denoted a tenure of land granted by a lord to a vassal or tenant, often in exchange for military service or other obligations. The term itself is thought to have Germanic origins, with "teit" potentially relating to "debt" or "duty," and "tunn" referring to an enclosure or land unit.

The nature of teittunn holdings could be quite diverse. Some were hereditary, passing down through families, while others were granted for a specific term or for the lifetime of the tenant. The obligations associated with a teittunn were likewise varied, ranging from providing a certain number of armed men to performing agricultural labor or paying rent in kind or coin. Understanding teittunn is crucial for historians studying feudalism, land ownership, and the social and economic structures of medieval Europe. Its interpretation often relies on careful analysis of manorial rolls, charters, and legal documents from the era.