Leitgeben

Leit (or lit) was a Middle High German term for a fruit or spiced wine. After the purchase was completed, the buyer paid the seller and the witness a drink for their efforts. This was known as Leitkauf (also Leikauf) ( wine purchase has a similar meaning). The innkeeper serving the wine was the "Leitgeb". Leitgeben (Leutgeben) is derived from this, which developed into the meaning of "right to serve wine". In Austria, Duke Albrecht III granted the citizens of the community in Gumpoldskirchen (wine-growing region Thermenregion in Lower Austria) the right to sell and serve their wine in the village in 1380. Later, the exact regulations for "Leutgeben" were laid down in the "Banntaidingbuch". Anyone who wanted to "leutgeben" had to put a "pointer" on the house. This developed into the Buschenschank or wine tavern. This term is included in the name of the village of Kaltenleutgeben (Lower Austria). See also under speciality wines and winegrowing customs.

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Leitgeben

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