BORDER REIVERS Meaning and
Definition
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Border reivers were raiders and raiding groups active in the Anglo-Scottish Borderlands from the late 13th century to the early 17th century. This region encompassed the border area between England and Scotland, including territories such as Northumberland, Cumberland, and the Scottish Borders. Border reivers were known for their lawlessness and constant raiding of each other's lands.
These individuals were usually of local descent, living in small communities or clans, and were motivated by various factors, including feuds, territorial disputes, and economic ambitions. Their raids were not restricted to stealing livestock but also involved pillaging, arson, and the abduction of people for ransom. Reiving was considered a way of life and was often organized by kinship networks or extended families living in the region.
The term "reivers" is derived from the Old English word "reave," meaning to rob or plunder. The chaotic and insecure nature of the borderlands provided fertile ground for reiving activities, as the region lacked effective law enforcement. The English and Scottish monarchs occasionally attempted to suppress these raiders, but their efforts were generally unsuccessful.
The border reivers had a significant impact on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the Borderlands. Their activities created a culture of violence and reprisals, leaving a lasting legacy of lawlessness in the area. The raids also resulted in the construction of fortified buildings, such as bastle houses, to protect against these marauders. The reiver era eventually came to an end with the union of England and Scotland in 1603 and subsequent attempts to bring law and order to the region.
Etymology of BORDER REIVERS
The term "border reivers" refers to the raiders and robbers who operated in the Anglo-Scottish border region between the 13th and 17th centuries. The etymology of the term can be understood as follows:
1. Border: The word "border" comes from the Old English word "bordūr", which means "edge" or "boundary". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "borduz", meaning "table" or "rim". Over time, "border" came to refer to the line or region that separates two countries.
2. Reivers: The word "reivers" is derived from the Middle English noun "reive" or "reif", which means "to rob" or "to plunder". It is believed to come from the Old Norse word "reifa", meaning "to tear off" or "to plunder".
