Muniment

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmjuːnɪmÉ™nt/

Alternative forms

• miniment 15th-17th c.

Origin

From Anglo-Norman muniment, Middle French muniment, and their source, Latin mūnīmentum ("fortification, defence"), from mūnīre ("to fortify").

Full definition of muniment

Noun

1. (chiefly legal) A deed, or other official document kept as proof of ownership or rights or privileges; an archived document. from 15th c.
2. (obsolete, in the plural) Things which a person or place is equipped with; effects, furnishings, accoutrements. 15th-19th c.
• 1596, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, IV.8:Upon a day as she him sate beside,
  By chance he certaine miniments forth drew,
  Which yet with him as relickes did abide ….
3. (obsolete) Something used as a defence. 16th-19th c.
• Shakespeareother muniments and petty helps

Derived terms

• muniment house