Note 36 — Chapter II · The Kingdom of Scotland—843–900.
Reading edition
The early Frank kings used to migrate in this way from manor to manor, and the custom long prevailed amongst the Scandinavians. It was the origin of the “sorning,” a word derived from the same source as the French sejourner, and “Waldgastnung,” so often prohibited in the old laws of Scotland and the north. The Anglo-Saxons were perfectly well acquainted with the same custom, and lands were held for a certain number of “night’s feorm”—so many nights’ free quarters originally,—the name of the tenure being at length permanently transferred to the tenant and tenement. Hence our words Farmer and Farm.