Liege: meaning, definitions and examples

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liege

 

[liːʤ ]

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.

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

🇮🇳 लेज़

🇩🇪 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.