The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Fridstol \Frid"stol`\ (fr[i^]d"st[=o]l`), Frithstool
\Frith`stool"\ (fr[i^]th"st[=oo]l`), n. [AS. fri[eth]st[=o]l.
   See Fred, and Stool.]
   A seat in churches near the altar, to which offenders
   formerly fled for sanctuary. [Written variously fridstool,
   freedstool, etc.] [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]