stringent: strict.
statutes: rules or laws.
Book of the Jewish Law: that is, the book Leviticus.
ulcerates: is afflicted with ulcers or sores.
Mass: the celebration of the Lord's Supper in the Roman Catholic Church.
Burton Lazars: a village one mile from Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire. Here, on account of its excellent sulphur springs, the chief leper-hospital was established in the reign of Stephen.
hereditary: transmitted from parents to children.
[22. THE TERROR OF FAMINE.]
24 shillings a quarter: this is not far from the present price of wheat, which gives us cheap bread. But in 1257 24s. would be equivalent to at least 20l. in our money.