Carucates meaning

Carucates were units of land measurement defined in medieval England.


Carucates definitions

Word backwards setacurac
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ca-ru-cates
Plural The plural of the word carucates is carucates.
Total letters 9
Vogais (3) a,u,e
Consonants (4) c,r,t,s

Understanding Carucates

What is a Carucate?

Carucate is an ancient unit of land measurement used in England during the Middle Ages. It was a unit of tax assessment based on the amount of land that could be plowed by a team of eight oxen in a single day. The term carucate is derived from the Latin word "caruca," meaning plow.

How Big is a Carucate?

The size of a carucate varied depending on the quality of the land, but it was generally equivalent to around 120 acres. This measurement was used to determine the amount of land a landowner had to cultivate to fulfill their feudal obligations to the king or lord.

The Importance of Carucates

Carucates played a significant role in the feudal system of medieval England. Land was the primary source of wealth and power during this time, and the amount of land a person owned determined their social status and obligations. The carucate provided a standardized way to measure and assess the value of land for taxation purposes.

Legacy of Carucates

Although the use of carucates as a unit of measurement has largely faded away, the concept of measuring land based on its agricultural productivity still influences land management practices today. Understanding the historical significance of carucates can provide valuable insights into the development of land tenure systems and agricultural practices.


Carucates Examples

  1. The land was measured in carucates for tax purposes.
  2. The farmer owned several carucates of arable land.
  3. The estate was divided into carucates for efficient management.
  4. A carucate of land was equivalent to a ploughland.
  5. Tenants would pay rent based on the number of carucates they farmed.
  6. The lord granted his vassal a carucate of land in exchange for military service.
  7. The Domesday Book included detailed records of carucates across England.
  8. A carucate was traditionally considered the amount of land one plough team could till in a year.
  9. The value of a carucate of land could vary depending on its fertility and location.
  10. Medieval manors were often organized around carucates of land.


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  • Updated 01/07/2024 - 16:09:18