A number or company of ten householders who, dwelling near each other, were sureties or frankpledges to the king for the good behavior of each other; a decennary.

Peace-keeping group of variable size (most men over 12 years of age were enrolled in a tithing). (Bennett, Judith M. Women in the Medieval English Countryside, 235) Unit of ten or twelve village men mutually responsible for each other's conduct. (Gies, Frances and Joseph. Life in a Medieval Village, 246) Related terms: Tithingman / View of Frankpledge

derived from 'ten householders', each of whom lived on a 'hide' of land — historically there were then 100 tithings to a 'hundred'

A system of criminal justice found in medieval England where citizens were held responsible for the behavior of those in their group.

Paying ten percent of personal income to the work of the Lord.

A group of ten people.