II.   Sovereign

A Fine is the ancient Gaelic name for a tribe and extended family kinship group, the smallest legally recognized unit of ancient Celtic society and the etymological origin of the word “fine”.

The Fine, not the individual, was what was important. Legally the individual did not exist, except as a member of a class within the Fine and was therefore responsible for his set share of the Fine's property and obligations. Several Fine were then part of a Truatha.

When an prísonóir (honor price) was to be paigh (origin of paid) under Celtic law, then such payments were usually made to the Fine. Hence, the ancient maxim of law “pay the fine” which has continued in words only.