Feudatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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feudatory
[หfjuหdษtษหri ]
Definitions
feudal lord
A feudal lord who holds land by feudal tenure; a vassal.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He was a feudatory of the king, holding his lands in exchange for military service.
- The feudatory owed allegiance to his lord and provided military support when needed.
feudal system
A person who holds lands under the feudal system; a tenant.
Synonyms
landholder, serf, tenant.
Examples of usage
- The feudatory was responsible for maintaining the land and paying tributes to the lord.
- Feudatories played a crucial role in the feudal hierarchy.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- Feudatories were crucial during the feudal era, helping to manage land and provide military service.
- This system formed the backbone of medieval governance, where power was decentralized.
- Feudatories often fought for their lord, but they could also seek independence if powerful enough.
Cultural Reflection
- Literature from the Middle Ages often depicts the relationships between lords and their feudatories, showcasing themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- Modern interpretations in films and series often romanticize the noble roles of feudatories, highlighting chivalric ideals.
- Folklore in Europe features tales of feudatories who rise against their lords, reflecting historical struggles for power.
Political Systems
- Feudatory systems can be related to modern-day concepts of subsidiarity and decentralized governance in certain regions.
- Some indigenous cultures employ similar systems where leaders grant land to followers in exchange for support.
- The decline of feudatory systems in Europe led to the rise of nation-states and centralized authority.
Contemporary Usage
- Although rare today, the term can still appear in discussions about political hierarchies in developing nations.
- The idea of a feudatory still resonates in legal discussions about land use and ownership rights.
- In neofeudal theory, modern social orders are sometimes viewed as a revival of historical feudatory relationships.
Origin of 'feudatory'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'feudatory' comes from the Latin word 'feudum', meaning 'fief' or 'property'.
- It was first used in the English language in the 15th century, linked to feudal systems in medieval Europe.
- The concept is closely related to chivalry and the duties of knights in medieval society.
The word 'feudatory' originates from the Latin 'feudatorius', meaning 'pertaining to a fief'. It was commonly used in medieval Europe to describe the relationship between a lord and vassal. Feudatories played a significant role in the feudal system, where land was granted in exchange for loyalty and service. The concept of feudatories has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages.