ASSIZER Meaning and
Definition
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Assizer is a noun that refers to a historical legal officer or official responsible for measuring, gauging, or fixing the sizes or quantities of specific commodities, goods, or products, particularly in relation to trade or taxation. The term derives from the Old French word "asise," meaning "measure" or "tax."
In medieval and early modern England, an assizer was often appointed by the Crown or local authorities to ensure fairness and accuracy in matters of measurement and taxation. They would assess the size, weight, or volume of various goods, such as grain, wine, or cloth, determining the applicable tax or duty based on these measurements. Assizers played a crucial role in maintaining uniformity and regulating commerce, preventing fraud and ensuring that merchants and consumers were treated fairly.
The responsibility of the assizer also extended to other areas beyond trade and taxation. They were often involved in setting standard measurements for constructs or buildings, such as roads, ditches, or walls, to ensure consistency and avoid disputes. In some cases, assizers were tasked with overseeing weights and measures, ensuring they complied with official standards and preventing the use of fraudulent or inaccurate measures.
While the role of the assizer has largely diminished over time with the advent of standardized measurements and regulatory bodies, the historical significance of their function remains important in understanding the development and regulation of trade and commerce in earlier societies.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASSIZER
- zssizer
- sssizer
- wssizer
- qssizer
- aasizer
- azsizer
- axsizer
- adsizer
- aesizer
- awsizer
- asaizer
- aszizer
- asxizer
- asdizer
- aswizer
- assuzer
- assjzer
- asskzer
- assozer
- Assizev
Etymology of ASSIZER
The word Assizer is derived from the Late Latin term assessor, which means an assistant or an adviser. It entered into Old French as assesser with the same meaning, and eventually evolved into assizer in Middle English. In both languages, the term originally referred to a person who helped judges or magistrates in making assessments or decisions in legal matters. Over time, the word assizer came to specifically denote someone who served as a juror or assessor in a court of law. Today, the term is obsolete and has been replaced by assessor.
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