Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

gavelkind

Hist. 1. A species of socage tenure arising in land that has descended equally to the decedent's sons. 9 It was widespread before 1066, when it was mainly superseded by primogeniture. This propertydivision technique was then largely limited to Kent. The person holding land in this manner enjoyed several advantages not available under the common law: the land could be disposed of by will, did not escheat for felony other than treason or for want of heirs, and was alienable by an heir at age 15. Gavelkind was abolished in 1925. 2. Land that yields gavel service.