Jus primae noctis

The term “jus primae noctis,” which means “right of the first night,” was used in medieval European feudalism in France and Scotland. It referred to the supposed legal right of a feudal lord to spend the first night with a newlywed bride before her husband could. However, there is substantial debate among historians about whether or not this right actually existed and was systematically practiced. Although some historical records and legal texts mention it, there is limited concrete evidence to support it.