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wapentake

noun
wa·​pen·​take | \ ˈwa-pən-ˌtāk How to pronounce wapentake (audio) , ˈwä- How to pronounce wapentake (audio) \

Definition of wapentake

: a subdivision of some English shires corresponding to a hundred

First Known Use of wapentake

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for wapentake

Middle English, from Old English wǣpentæc, from Old Norse vāpnatak act of grasping weapons, from vāpn weapon + tak act of grasping, from taka to take; probably from the brandishing of weapons as an expression of approval when the chief of the wapentake entered upon his office — more at weapon, take entry 1

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