miskenning
/ˌmɪsˈkɛnɪŋ/Law. Now historical
noun
A mistake or variation in pleading before a court.
- Found in several alleged Old English charters of Edward the Confessor preserved in late copies. These are, however, ‘Westminster writs of doubtful authenticity, or spurious’ (F. E. Harmer Anglo-Saxon Writs (1952) 82). The writs may be based on original charters, with the content altered and expanded in the 12th cent. The occurrence of miskenning in these charters is probably anachronistic..
Origin
Old English; earliest use found in Royal Charter: Edward the Confessor to Westminster Abbey. Apparently from mis- + ken + -ing.