a name given to certain linen-cloths, thus called, because the thread used to weave them has been half blanched or bleached before it was used. They are manufactured in Normandy, particularly in the places which are in the district or under the jurisdiction of Pont-Audemer, Bernay, and Lieieux.

BLANCH-FERME, or Blank farm, a white farm, that is, where the rent was to be paid in silver, not in cattle. In ancient times, the crown rents were many times referred to be paid in libris albis, called blanch firmes: in which case the buyer was holden dealbare firmam, viz. his base money or coin, worse than standard, was melted down in the exchequer, and reduced to the fineness of standard silver; or instead thereof he paid to the king 12d. in the pound by way of addition.

BLANCH-Holding in Law, a tenure by which the vassal is only bound to pay an elufory yearly duty to his superior merely as an acknowledgment of his right. See LAW.