What is the definition of Burning in the hand? | Dictionary.net

BURNING IN THE HAND

\bˈɜːnɪŋ ɪnðə hˈand], \bˈɜːnɪŋ ɪnðə hˈand], \b_ˈɜː_n_ɪ_ŋ ɪ_n_ð_ə h_ˈa_n_d]\

Definitions of BURNING IN THE HAND

1910 - Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)

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In old English criminal law, laymen, upon being accorded the benefit of clergy, were burned with a hot iron in the brawn of the left thumb, in order that, being thus marked, they could not again claim their clergy. 4 Bl. Comm. 367.

1910 - Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)
By Henry Campbell Black

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