vehme Definition
- 1a secret tribunal of Westphalia in medieval Germany
- 2a court or tribunal characterized by secrecy and arbitrariness
Using vehme: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vehme" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Vehme was notorious for its arbitrary judgments and secret proceedings.
Example
The Vehmic court was abolished in the early 19th century.
vehme Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with vehme
a legendary secret tribunal that operated in Westphalia during the Middle Ages, known for its harsh punishments and summary executions
Example
The Holy Vehme was feared throughout Germany for its power and secrecy.
Vehmic court
a court or tribunal characterized by secrecy and arbitrariness, modeled after the medieval Vehmic courts of Westphalia
Example
The Vehmic court was used to try political dissidents and other enemies of the state.
Vehmic judgment
an arbitrary or unjust judgment, typically handed down by a secret tribunal or court
Example
The accused was found guilty in a Vehmic judgment and sentenced to death without trial.
Origins of vehme
from Middle High German 'vem(e)', meaning 'court', from Old High German 'femida', meaning 'judgment'
Summary: vehme in Brief
The term 'vehme' [vehm] refers to a secret tribunal of Westphalia in medieval Germany, characterized by secrecy and arbitrariness. It has been used to describe any court or tribunal with similar characteristics, such as the Vehmic court. The phrase 'Vehmic judgment' denotes an arbitrary or unjust judgment, often handed down by a secret court.