ˈherēət noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English heriet, heriot, from Old English heregeatwe, heregeatwa, plural, military equipment, from here army + geatwe, geatwa, plural, equipment — more at harry
English law : a feudal duty or tribute due under English law to a lord upon the death of a tenant and consisting originally of the horses and arms lent by the lord to his man, later of the best beast or chattel of the tenant, and in modern times (as surviving in copyhold tenures) of such a chattel as the custom of the manor enables the lord to take or of a money payment — distinguished from relief ; compare heregeld 2, thirdings