Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†INFANG, n. A curtailed form of the feudal law term Infangthief.
1. The right of certain landowners to try and punish a thief taken within the area of their jurisdiction, abolished in 1748. Hist. Cf. Outfang.Sc. 1828 Scott F.M. Perth iv.:
Would you have us now yield up our rights . . . and immunities, our outfang and infang, our hand-habend . . . and our blood-suits.
2. Goods stolen within this jurisdiction.Sc. 1732 P. Walker Six Saints (1901) II. 50:
James Irvine of Bonshaw, who formerly made a trade of fine horses, of outfang and infang betwixt the kingdoms.
3. In full form infangthief: a thief caught in this district.Kcd. 1700 J. Anderson Black Bk. (1843) 130:
He is accused as a common and notorious theif, outfang theif, infang theif, and a theif by open voice and common fame.
