E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Fossa et Furca [pit and gallows].
An ancient privilege granted by the Crown to its vassals, to cast female felons into a ditch, and hang male ones on a gallows.
1
According to Wharton (Law Dictionary), this furca is not the Latin word, but the Hebrew farkah, to divide. Hence also the servile tenure called Furcam et Flagellum.
