Gavelkind, a tenure in England by which the estate descends, not to the eldest son, as by common law, but to all the sons, or if there be no sons, to all the brothers. The word is said by some persons to be derived from the English words given to all the kindred;" but other derivations are suggested. It prevails throughout the English county of Kent, but is seldom met with in other counties. The best authorities, including Selden, believe that this was the general custom of England before the Norman conquest.