Full age versus minor

[pallain]

Hello All,

I am sure that this question has been asked before, however I was having trouble when doing a search on the forums as I actually think that the question is too broad.  I found a record that I believe (hope) is my great-great grandparents' marriage. The marriage took place in 1873 in Belfast and the ages of the gentleman is given as "full" and that of the woman is given as "minor". Would minor be anyone under the age of 18 or is it a different age for marriage versus other considerations.

I always find Rootschatters extremely helpful so hope that the answer to this question is on the tip of someone's tongue

regards Pat

[nanny jan]

I think full age is 21 and minor is for those under 21.

[Enumerated]

Full age meant over 21, up until the early 1970s when it was reduced to 18. I remember the change because I lost out, being between 18 and 21 at the time.

[Girl Guide]

The age from 21 to 18 occurred on the 1st January 1970 and the first general election after that date was 18th June 1970.

[Kiltaglassan]

.....and I voted for the first time in that general election aged *&%$   

[Gadget]

..and I voted in the 1966 election - I'd just attained full age a few months before 

[pallain]

Thanks all for responding.  Merry Christmas

[GrahamSimons]

Another potential source of confusion is the term infant. Most people would think "small child" but it may also mean minor. Found this used more than once among some legal noted for the family.