The Collaborative International Dictionary
Frithstool
Fridstol \Frid"stol`\ (fr[i^]d"st[=o]l`), Frithstool \Frith`stool"\ (fr[i^]th"st[=oo]l`), n. [AS. fri[eth]st[=o]l. See Fred, and Stool.] A seat in churches near the altar, to which offenders formerly fled for sanctuary. [Written variously fridstool, freedstool, etc.] [Obs.]
Wiktionary
frithstool
n. (context archaic English) A stone seat, placed near the altar of a church, which afforded protection to those seeking sanctuary.
Usage examples of "frithstool".
There was a frithstool endowed with similar privileges at York Minster, and another at Durham.
Stone seats claimed to be frithstools are still shown at Hexham and Beverley.