HUNDRED

A hundred is a territorial division, having for its object the more convenient and efficient administration of justice; anciently subsisting in other countries, particularly Fiance and Lombardy, as well as in England, and adopted in this country as the subdivision of a county. The institution of the hundred, as well as that of the county and tything, is, upon no precise authority, usually referred to the reign of Alfred; but it is probable that the d.vision was of at older date, and that it was not introduced into all parts ol England at the same time. It is ceitain. at any rate, thi [s. 584]