"Holder" is a term used to describe a person who resides in a Hold, rather than a Weyr or Crafthall. It can also refer to a person in charge of a Minor Hold.
Description
Holders make up the majority of Pern's population and reside in Pern's holds. Holders typically provide labor and goods for the hold they reside in. In exchange, they are provided with education and protection from Thread. Holders will often be educated in a craft to support themselves, but usually stop training at the journeyman stage, as Mastery is not required for the independent practice of a craft. When accused of a crime, a holder has the right to request punishment from their own Lord Holder. Holders also have the right to petition their leadership. Such petitions are usually presented at Turnover, where they are collected by the resident Harper, who forwards the petition to the necessary authority. The full rights of holders are detailed in Pern's Charter
In minor holds, the leader of the hold is referred to as a Holder, with the term always capitalized. Those who lead a Seahold are likewise referred to as Seaholders. Similarly to a Lord Holder, Holders are responsible for the upkeep of their holds. They generally pledge allegiance to a Major Hold, providing tithes in exchange for protection from the Major Hold. A Holder may sometimes be the son or other relative of a Lord Holder, as a way of providing experience in running a hold. In some cases, the Holder of a minor hold may be promoted to Lord Holder status. This requires that the hold be recognized as a Major Hold and the rank be approved by the Conclave of Lord Holders.