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Fealty: meaning, definitions and examples

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fealty

 

[ˈfiːəlti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

loyalty

Fealty is a feudal tenant's or vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord. It is a formal pledge of allegiance and obedience, often involving the kissing of the lord's hand or a symbolic act of submission.

Synonyms

allegiance, faithfulness, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fealty

Used in historical or formal contexts, especially in relation to sworn loyalty or promises made to a sovereign or lord.

  • The knight swore fealty to the king before departing on the crusade.
  • In the medieval era, peasants showed fealty to their local lords in exchange for protection.
loyalty

Can be used in a variety of contexts, from personal relationships to brand or organizational support, indicating a strong sense of allegiance and support.

  • Consumer loyalty is often driven by consistent quality in products and services.
  • His loyalty to his friends was admired by everyone he knew.
allegiance

Commonly used in political or legal contexts, to denote loyalty to a country, ruler, or set of ideals, often implying a formal or legal commitment.

  • Every citizen must pledge allegiance to the flag as a sign of their loyalty to the nation.
  • The soldier's allegiance to his country was unwavering, even in the face of danger.
faithfulness

Used to describe a quality of being true and constant in support or loyalty, often in personal relationships or commitments.

  • Faithfulness in a marriage is crucial for a strong and lasting relationship.
  • Her faithfulness to her hardworking principles earned her great respect in the community.

Examples of usage

  • The knight swore fealty to his liege lord.
  • Fealty was an important concept in medieval society.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fidelitas,' meaning faithfulness or loyalty.
  • It evolved through Old French 'fealté,' indicating loyalty owed to a lord or master during the feudal system.
  • In medieval times, formal ceremonies of homage were often required to establish fealty between a lord and his vassal.

History

  • Fealty was a key element of the feudal system, where nobles granted land in exchange for loyalty and military service.
  • In England, the act of pledging fealty was often accompanied by a public ceremony, cementing the relationship between lord and vassal.
  • The decline of fealty began with the rise of centralized monarchies and the weakening of feudal ties in the modern era.

Literature

  • Fealty themes are common in epic tales like 'Beowulf,' where loyalty to one's lord and kin is a measure of honor.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often grapple with notions of loyalty, power, and betrayal, reflecting the value placed on fealty.
  • In modern fantasy literature, such as George R.R. Martin’s 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' fealty is a central theme that drives alliances and conflicts.

Culture

  • In many cultures, loyalty to family or tribe mirrors the concept of fealty, showing a universal value placed on allegiance.
  • Modern interpretations of fealty appear in political structures, emphasizing party loyalty and allegiance to ideologies.
  • The idea of fealty is often represented through oaths or vows in various cultures, highlighting commitment beyond mere contractual obligations.

Law

  • Historically, fealty could be enforced by law, with specific duties and rights outlined for both the lord and the vassal.
  • In contemporary legal systems, the remnants of fealty can be seen in concepts of fiduciary duty, where trust and loyalty are legally binding.
  • Modern contracts may include loyalty clauses, inspired by the age-old notion of fealty, binding parties to follow through on commitments.

Translations

Translations of the word "fealty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fidelidade

🇮🇳 निष्ठा

🇩🇪 Treue

🇮🇩 kesetiaan

🇺🇦 вірність

🇵🇱 wierność

🇯🇵 忠誠

🇫🇷 fidélité

🇪🇸 lealtad

🇹🇷 sadakat

🇰🇷 충성

🇸🇦 الولاء

🇨🇿 věrnost

🇸🇰 vernosť

🇨🇳 忠诚

🇸🇮 zvestoba

🇮🇸 tryggð

🇰🇿 адалдық

🇬🇪 ერთგულება

🇦🇿 sədaqət

🇲🇽 lealtad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,943, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.