Note 62 — Chapter VII · Wager of Law.
Reading edition
Gregor. Turon. Hist. Lib. V., cap. XLIX. The custom of acquitting oneself by swearing on different altars, was an old Anglo-Saxon practice, the plaintiff being allowed to substantiate his claim by oaths upon four altars, while the defendant could rebut the charge by oaths upon twelve altars. Dooms of Alfred, Cap. 33; Fleta, Lib. II., cap. lxiii, sec., 12.