Note 510 — Book XIV.
John Beames translation
“The name of murder (as a crime) was anciently applied to the secret killing of another which the word moerda signifies in the Teutonic Language.” (4 Bl. Comm. 194.) In support of this position, the learned Judge cites the present passage of our author’s text. Other authorities may be added. Murtre, est quant home est tue de nuit ou de repos dehors ou dedans vill. (Assises de Jerusalem, c. 85.) Porro murdrum propriè dicatur, mors alicujus occulta cujus interfector ignoratur. (Dialog. de Scacc. L. 1. s. 10. See also Bracton 121. Fleta 34. s. 6. Britton c. 6. s. 1. and c. 23.—Regiam Majestatem L. 4. c. 5.)