Liege: meaning, definitions and examples
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liege
[liːʤ ]
Definitions
in politics
A liege is a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service.
Examples of usage
- He was a loyal liege to his subjects.
- The king demanded the fealty of his lieges.
obsolete
A liege is a sovereign or a king.
Examples of usage
- The liege was known for his wisdom and benevolence.
- The liege held court in the grand palace.
archaic
A liege is a sworn vassal.
Examples of usage
- The knight pledged his loyalty to his liege.
- The liege granted lands to his vassals.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Derived from the Old French word 'lige,' meaning 'free' or 'loyal,' reflecting the bond of loyalty in feudal society.
- In medieval Europe, the relationship between a liege lord and their vassals was central to the feudal system, where land was exchanged for service.
- A liegeman was a vassal who swore allegiance to a lord, showcasing a shared responsibility for protection and loyalty.
Cultural Significance
- In historical literature, the concept of 'liege' is often explored as a theme of loyalty and duty, as seen in texts like the 'Song of Roland.'
- Movies and games set in medieval times often depict characters interacting in 'liege' agreements, showcasing the social structure of the era.
- The phrase 'liege lord' is commonly used in pop culture to label powerful figures in fantasy settings, enhancing the dramatic theme of fealty.
Legal Aspects
- In historical legal terms, a liege lord had jurisdiction over his vassal’s actions, indicating a governing power beyond mere land ownership.
- The concept influenced modern legal systems where loyalty and duty are still valued, like employment contracts reflecting dependability.
- 'Liege' has evolved to express loyalty beyond feudalism, adapted in contexts such as 'liege allegiance' in civic or national duty.
Language Evolution
- The word has been used in various forms since the Middle Ages, maintaining its core meaning of loyalty through centuries.
- Modern uses of 'liege' in English literature often invoke a sense of nostalgia, connecting contemporary readers to historical themes of fidelity.
- Synonyms and derivatives like 'liege loyalty' or 'liege men' continue to appear in discussions about loyalty and hierarchical relationships.
Translations
Translations of the word "liege" in other languages:
🇵🇹 senhor feudal
- vassalo
- Liege
🇮🇳 लेज़
- अधिपति
- जागीरदार
🇩🇪 Lehnsherr
🇮🇩 tuan tanah
🇺🇦 сюзерен
🇵🇱 lenno
🇯🇵 領主 (りょうしゅ)
🇫🇷 suzerain
🇪🇸 señor feudal
🇹🇷 senyör
🇰🇷 영주
🇸🇦 سيد إقطاعي
🇨🇿 léno
🇸🇰 léno
🇨🇳 封建领主 (fēngjiàn lǐngzhǔ)
🇸🇮 fevdalni gospod
🇮🇸 lénsherra
🇰🇿 феодал
🇬🇪 სიუზერენი
🇦🇿 feodal
🇲🇽 señor feudal
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #23,783, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 23780 mammography
- 23781 prodding
- 23782 trapezoidal
- 23783 liege
- 23784 commercialized
- 23785 clockwork
- 23786 calibrating
- ...