muniment (muniment)

[Formerly also monyment and, rarely, miniment; The arm our soldier, Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter, With other muniments and petty helps. Shak., Cor., i. 1. 122. We cannot spare the coarsest muniment of virtue. Emerson, Conduct of Life. 3. A document by which claims and rights are defended or maintained; a title-deed; a deed, charter, record, etc., especially such as belong to public bodies public bodies, or those in which national, manorial, or ecclesiastical rights and privileges are concerned. The privileges of London were recognized [at the time of the coronation of William the Conqueror] by a royal writ which still remains, the most venerable of its muni ments , among the city's archives J. R. Green, Conq. of Eng., p. 553. 4. Any article preserved or treasured as of special interest or value, as jewels, relics, etc. Upon a day as she him sate beside, By chance he certaine miniments forth drew Which yet with him as relickes did abide. Spenser, F. Q., IV. viii. 6. Muniment-house, muniment-room, a house or room in cathedrals, colleges, collegiate churches, castles, or public buildings, purposely made for keeping deeds, charters, writings, etc.