Gā'vel-kind, n.

n. [W. gafael cenell, the hold or tenure of a family, from gafael, a hold or holding, and cenell, a kindred, clan, family, Ir. gabhail-cine, the law of gavelkind, from gabhail, a taking, receiving, gabhaim, I take, receive, and cine, race, tribe, family, generation.] (O. Eng. Law.) A tenure by which land descended from the father to all his sons in equal portions, and the land of a brother, dying without issue, descended equally to his brothers. It still prevails in the county of Kent. Covell.