For centuries, the Borders was in
constant turmoil as the unsettled boundary between Scotland and England
was fought over. It was a conflict not only of national interests, but
also of perpetual personal and family jealousies.
The period brought its own language:
Raider, robber, marauder, plunderer.
Literally "black rent" – illegal rent paid (in addition to
normal rent to a landlord) to a reiver to buy his protection from raids.
When a man was killed, his family took up the quarrel, not only with the
slayer, but with his whole surname, leading to generations of feuding.
Hang first and try later, i.e. summary execution.
A fortified dwelling or tower house, often protected by a palisade.
(Latin pilum from which the word is derived).
The pattern of raid and counter-raid was punctuated by
occasional full scale expeditions and pitch battles.