Feudatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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feudatory

[หˆfjuหdษ™tษ”หri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feudal lord

A feudal lord who holds land by feudal tenure; a vassal.

Synonyms

liege, subordinate, vassal.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.