Frid'stol` (frĭd'stōl`), Frith`stool' (frĭth'stōl`) , noun [ Anglo-Saxon friðstō l. See Fred , and Stool .] A seat in churches near the altar, to which offenders formerly fled for sanctuary. [ Written variously fridstool , freeds... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/F/76