oxgang

Definition

The area of land that could be plowed by an ox in a year, ¹⁄₈ hide or carucate and notionally 15 acres.

Etymology

From Middle English oxegang, from Old English oxangang (“¹⁄₈ hide or ploughland”), equivalent to ox + gang.

Example Sentences

• "1417. Henry Rishworth formerly held two oxgangs in Hipperholme, Osbarn rode, lands in Coley, etc. His nephew Henry, son of Nicholas de Rishworth, next heir, paid 10s heriot. 1418. John, son and heir of Henry de Rishworth, herioted a cottage and a royd in the Hey in Hipperholme."