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Liege Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘‘
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liege

[liหสค ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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.
Context #3 | Noun

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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 vassalโ€™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.

Origin of 'liege'

The word 'liege' originated from the Old French term 'lige', meaning 'free' or 'unbound'. In medieval times, a liege was a feudal lord to whom allegiance and service were due. The concept of a liege lord was central to the feudal system, where vassals swore loyalty to their lieges in exchange for protection and land. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to a sovereign or king. Today, 'liege' is mainly used in historical or literary contexts to denote a feudal superior.

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.