Capitulary meaning

A capitulary is a collection of laws or statutes issued by a monarch or ruler.


Capitulary definitions

Word backwards yralutipac
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "capitulary" is an adjective.
Syllabic division cap-i-tu-lar-y
Plural The plural of capitulary is capitularies.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) a,i,u
Consonants (6) c,p,t,l,r,y

Capitularies were a form of legislative document used in the Frankish kingdoms during the early Middle Ages. These were a collection of laws and regulations issued by Frankish kings, primarily Charlemagne and his successors. The term "capitulary" comes from the Latin word "capitulum," meaning a chapter or paragraph.

Origins and Purpose

Capitularies were used to regulate various aspects of Frankish society, including administration, justice, economy, and religious matters. They were issued to maintain order and unity within the kingdom and to ensure the king's authority was respected. These documents were written in Latin and were often organized into chapters, with each chapter dealing with a specific topic.

Content and Structure

The content of capitularies varied depending on the needs of the kingdom at the time. Some focused on ecclesiastical matters, such as the regulation of church affairs and the conduct of clergy. Others dealt with administrative issues, such as the organization of the royal court and the appointment of officials. Capitularies also addressed legal matters, including the punishment for crimes and the protection of property rights.

Legacy and Influence

Capitularies had a lasting impact on the development of medieval law in Western Europe. They laid the foundation for later legal codes and influenced the writing of secular laws in the region. The structure and organization of capitularies also set a precedent for the compilation of legal texts in the future. Though they were eventually replaced by more formalized legal systems, capitularies played a significant role in shaping the legal landscape of the early Middle Ages.

In conclusion, capitularies were essential documents in the Frankish kingdoms, serving as a means of governance and lawmaking during a formative period in European history. Their influence can still be seen in the legal traditions of modern-day Europe, making them a crucial part of the continent's legal heritage.


Capitulary Examples

  1. The capitulary was signed by the king, establishing new laws for the kingdom.
  2. The students studied the capitulary of the constitution in their history class.
  3. The church council issued a capitulary outlining the rules for behavior within the church.
  4. The capitulary granted the citizens certain rights and privileges.
  5. The ruler implemented a new capitulary to address issues of taxation.
  6. The capitulary of the organization outlined the duties of each member.
  7. The capitulary of the company set standards for employee conduct.
  8. The board of directors approved a capitulary on spending limits for the upcoming year.
  9. The school's capitulary of rules was posted prominently in the hallway.
  10. The club adopted a new capitulary regulating membership requirements.


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  • Updated 03/04/2024 - 21:01:00