Old Law. Also -wit. [OE. type *cildwít, f. cild child + wíte penalty, satisfaction made.] A fine paid to the lord for getting one of his bondwomen with child.
1194. Charter Rich. I., in Rymer Fœdera, I. 52. Concessimus, quod sint quieti de bridtol, et de childwite, et de gieres gieve.
c. 1250. Gloss. Law Terms, in Rel. Ant., I. 33. Childwite,—Chalenge de serf ki serf, serve enceinte.
1502. Arnolde, Chron., 2. That the citezens … be alle quyte of bryyghtol, and childewyte, yerisgiue and scotale.
1607. in Cowel, Interp., s.v. Childwit, Within the Mannor of Writtle in Com. Essex, every reputed Father of a Bastard gotten there, pays to the Lord for a Fine three shillings four pence, and the custome is there also called Childwit.
1861. Riley, Liber Albus, 117.
