byrlaw
noun
byr·law
ˈbirˌlȯ,
ˈbiəˌlȯ
variants or burlaw
ˈbərˌlȯ,
ˈbə̄ˌlȯ
plural -s
: the local custom or law of a vill, township, or rural district in the north of England or in Scotland that governs disputes relating especially to boundaries, dates of plowing, and use of common land
also : a particular custom or law established by common consent of the landholders of such a district
Word History
Etymology
Middle English birelage, birlawe, perhaps from (assumed) Old Norse bȳjar lög, from Old Norse bȳjar (genitive of bȳr town) + lög law