SOC, (Sax.) signifies power or liberty to minister justice or execute laws: also the circuit or territory wherein such power is exercised. Whence our law-Latin word soca is used for a feignory or lordship enfranchised by the king, with the liberty of holding or keeping a court of his sockmen: And this kind of liberty continues in divers parts of England to this day, and is known by the names of soka and socken.