What does "late" in documents mean?

starkeypd

In a land deed document in Penn, it lists a bunch of people... often using the term "late"

I used to think it meant they were deceased but after looking at this doc, I'm not sure

John Perchment to John Black

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJ7-3PY3

Thanks

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Late, in this case, for the females, is indicating a maiden name. For example, "To Martha Cain (widow) formerly Martha Parchment"

That record is an excellent clue for family research.

starkeypd

Thanks, does it mean the husband is deceased?

Áine Ní Donnghaile

Only for those that mention widows. The others have no information about the status of the husband.