Bovates meaning

Bovates refer to a unit of land measurement, typically equivalent to the amount of land plowable by one ox in a year.


Bovates definitions

Word backwards setavob
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division bo-vates
Plural The plural of the word "bovates" is bovates.
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) o,a,e
Consonants (4) b,v,t,s

Bovates: Understanding the Ancient Land Measurement Unit

In ancient times, land measurement was essential for agricultural purposes and taxation. Bovates were a common unit of measurement used in medieval Europe, particularly in England and France. Understanding how bovates were used can provide valuable insight into historical land management practices.

What are Bovates?

A bovate was originally defined as the amount of land that could be plowed by one ox team in a single annual season. This measurement varied depending on the quality of the soil and the region in which it was measured. In England, a bovate typically equated to around 15 acres of land.

Significance of Bovates

Bovates played a crucial role in the feudal system of medieval Europe. Land was often granted to vassals in units of bovates in exchange for military service or other obligations. This system helped establish a hierarchy of land ownership and control.

Measurement and Conversion

While the exact measurement of a bovate could vary, it was generally considered to be a standardized unit of land. In modern terms, a bovate is approximately equivalent to 8-20 acres, depending on the region. Conversion rates may vary based on historical records and local customs.

Legacy of Bovates

Although bovates are no longer used as a formal unit of land measurement, their legacy is still evident in the landscape of many European countries. The importance of these units in historical land management practices highlights the ongoing impact of medieval systems on modern land ownership and use.

Overall, bovates offer a fascinating glimpse into the historical methods of land measurement and ownership in medieval Europe. Studying bovates can provide valuable insights into the agrarian systems of the past and their influence on contemporary land management practices.


Bovates Examples

  1. The farmer measured his land in bovates, each equivalent to about 15 acres.
  2. In medieval England, the amount of land required to support a family was often measured in bovates.
  3. The estate was divided into equal bovates for each tenant to work and cultivate.
  4. A bovate of land was considered a standard unit of measurement in certain regions of Europe.
  5. The size of a bovate could vary depending on the fertility of the soil and the location of the land.
  6. Tenants paid rent to the lord of the manor based on the number of bovates they farmed.
  7. Some historical documents refer to the distribution of bovates among peasants during the feudal era.
  8. The peasants worked tirelessly to cultivate their assigned bovates and provide for their families.
  9. Landowners often kept detailed records of the bovates and their respective tenants for taxation purposes.
  10. Bovates played a crucial role in determining the social and economic status of individuals in medieval society.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 30/06/2024 - 14:41:32