Note 356 — Book IX.
John Beames translation
Contenementum, a word of frequent recurrence in the old Books and Statutes. “Mr. Selden in his table talk says, that the word contenementum signifies the same with countenance, as used by the country people, when intending to receive a person with hospitality, they say—I will see you with the best countenance. So that the meaning of Magna Carta (where this word occurs) is, a man shall not be so fined, but that he may be able to give his neighbour good entertainment.” (Barr. Anc. Stat. p. 12. See also 4 Bl. Comm. 378.)