appeal
“the duke,”
RICHARD II., i. 1. 9
;
“appeal each other of high treason,”
RICHARD II., i. 1. 27
;
“appeals me,”
RICHARD II., i. 3. 21.
“Appeal, v.a. This
word appears to have been formerly used with much latitude; and sometimes in such a way
that it is not easy to find out what those who used it precisely meant by it. But
according to its most ancient signification, it implies a reference by name to a charge or
accusation, and an offer, or challenge, to support such charge by the ordeal of single
combat. And something of this, its primary sense, may still be described in all its
various applications. Thus, an appeal from one
person to another, to judge and decide; or from an inferior to a superior court, is to
transfer the challenge from such as are deemed incompetent to accept it, to those who may
be competent; and, as ‘a summons to answer a charge,’ it is nearly
equivalent to an actual challenge. ‘And likewise there were many Southland men that
appelled others in Barrace to fight before
the King to the dead, for certain crimes of lese majesty.’”
Pitscottie, p. 234.
Here the word clearly means challenge; as in the preceding page the laird of
Drumlanerick and the laird of Barrice are said to have provoked (which also means
challenge[d]) others in Barrace to fight to death, ‘. . . but being appealed (challenged) by the Lord Clifford, an Englishman,
to fight with him in singular combat.’Hist. of
Scotland, f. 365.
“‘. . . hast thou sounded him,
If he appeal (charge or accuse, and challenge) the duke on ancient
malice?’” Richard II., i. 1. 9.
...
“‘Against the Duke of Hereford that appeals me.’”
Richard II., i. 3. 21. Boucher's Glossary of Arch. and Prov. Words.
If he appeal (charge or accuse, and challenge) the duke on ancient
malice?’” Richard II., i. 1. 9.
...
“‘Against the Duke of Hereford that appeals me.’”
Richard II., i. 3. 21. Boucher's Glossary of Arch. and Prov. Words.
