Note 375 — Book X.
John Beames translation
The Norman Code divides Pledges into, simplices, and debiti retinentes. An example of the former kind is the following—Ego plegio A. quod reddat B. decem solidos. The effect of such a pledge was, that it ceased with the life of the person entering into it, and descended not upon his Heirs. Neither was there any difference, in this respect, if the pledge was given for the appearance of another in any suit. With respect to the latter kind of pledge, the Term was employed, when the person entering into it made himself answerable for the Debt, and thus stood in the twofold capacity of Debtor and pledge. The effect of this seems to have been, to release the original Debtor, and to render the Representatives of the person entering into it liable to answer it. (Le Grand Custum. de Norm. c. 60. 89. 90.)