ARSER IN LE MAIN

ARSER IN LE MAIN arser in le main (ahr-say an l[schwa] man or an l[schwa] man), n. [French ¡°burning in the hand¡±] Hist. A punishment of burning or branding the left thumb of a lay offender who falsely claimed and was allowed the benefit of clergy, so that the offender would be distinguished if he […]