Corrody meaning

A corrody is a medieval allowance, typically for food and lodging, granted by a monastery or noble family to a designated recipient.


Corrody definitions

Word backwards ydorroc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cor-ro-dy
Plural The plural form of corrody is corrodies.
Total letters 7
Vogais (1) o
Consonants (4) c,r,d,y

What is Corrody?

Corrody is a historical term used to describe the right to receive regular payments or benefits from a person or institution for the remainder of one's life. This concept dates back to medieval times when individuals could grant land or money in exchange for this ongoing support. Typically, the person providing the corrody would receive food, clothing, and shelter in return.

Origins and Usage

The term corrody comes from the Latin word "corrodium," meaning "to gnaw." This term was used because the corrody essentially 'gnawed away' at the resources of the individual or institution providing the support. Corrodies were commonly granted by nobles and religious institutions to loyal servants, retirees, or benefactors as a way to ensure their care and well-being in old age.

Legal Implications

Corrodies were often granted as a form of pension or retirement plan in medieval societies. The terms of the corrody were legally binding and guaranteed the recipient a certain standard of living for the rest of their life. In some cases, the right to a corrody could be bought or sold, adding a financial aspect to this arrangement.

Decline and Abolishment

Over time, the practice of granting corrodies fell out of favor as social welfare systems and retirement plans became more standardized. By the 19th century, corrodies had largely disappeared in most Western societies as more modern forms of financial support and pensions came into existence. However, the historical significance of the corrody remains as an early form of social welfare and retirement benefits.


Corrody Examples

  1. The castle granted the aged knight a corrody for life.
  2. She inherited a corrody that entitled her to free meals at the inn.
  3. The monastery provided the monk with a corrody of clothing and housing.
  4. The lord offered a corrody to the loyal servant as a token of appreciation.
  5. The widow received a corrody from her late husband's estate.
  6. The corrody granted to the tenant allowed them to farm the land rent-free.
  7. The royal decree included a corrody for the knight who had saved the kingdom.
  8. The wealthy merchant gifted a corrody to his favorite musician.
  9. The nobleman's will stipulated a corrody for his beloved hunting hounds.
  10. The local church provided a corrody to the poor villagers during the winter months.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 13:36:12