UDALLER Meaning and
Definition
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Udaller is a term primarily used in the Shetland Islands and Orkney Islands, which are part of Scotland. The word originates from the Old Norse language and refers to a landowner who holds a freehold estate or has complete ownership of their land.
In traditional Norse law, an udaller has an absolute claim to the land they own, without any feudal obligations or dues to be paid to a superior lord. This concept of land tenure is different from other forms, such as feudal or leasehold systems.
The udaller's ownership rights extend not only to the surface of the land but also below and above it, including mineral rights and airspace. This is in contrast to many other landholdings where certain usage rights might be retained by a superior landlord.
In present-day usage, the term udaller predominantly refers to someone who owns land outright and holds the absolute title to that property. It is particularly associated with the historic landownership patterns of the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where there has been a long history of udaller families and their descendants holding land for generations.
The term udaller not only describes the legal status of landownership but also encompasses the social and cultural heritage associated with these freehold estates. It is a unique term that signifies the independent and autonomous status of landowners in these specific regions of Scotland.
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One who holds lands without any original charter, and without a feudal superior.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for UDALLER
- udaler
- ydaller
- hdaller
- jdaller
- idaller
- 8daller
- 7daller
- usaller
- uxaller
- ucaller
- ufaller
- uraller
- uealler
- udzller
- udsller
- udwller
- udqller
- udakler
- udapler
- udaoler
Etymology of UDALLER
The word "udaller" has its origins in the Old Norse language. It comes from the Old Norse term "odalsmaðr" which meant a freeholder or landowner. The term "odalsmaðr" was a combination of "odal" meaning ancestral land and "maðr" meaning man or person. Over time, this word evolved in various Scandinavian languages and eventually made its way into the dialects of the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where it became known as "udaller". In these island dialects, it refers specifically to a landholder or land tenure system unique to these regions.
