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Manor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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manor

[ˈmænər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

historical residence

A large country house with lands; the principal house of a landed estate.

Synonyms

estate, mansion, villa.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manor

Used to describe a large, historical house that was typically the main residence of a noble or lord in medieval times.

  • The old manor stood proudly on the hill, overlooking the entire village.
  • During their vacation, they visited a beautifully preserved manor that once belonged to an influential family.
estate

Refers to a large area of land, usually with a large house, including other buildings and farmlands. It can also denote the total assets owned by an individual, especially after their death.

  • Her family owns a vast estate with orchards and stables.
  • After his father passed away, he inherited the entire estate.
mansion

Describes a very large and luxurious house, often used to indicate wealth and opulence.

  • The celebrity bought a new mansion in Beverly Hills.
  • The mansion was equipped with ten bedrooms, a pool, and an in-house cinema.
villa

Commonly describes a large, luxurious country house, especially in a Mediterranean or tropical setting, often used as a vacation home.

  • They rented a villa in Tuscany for their summer holiday.
  • The villa by the seaside offered stunning views of the sunset.

Examples of usage

  • The manor was surrounded by acres of lush green fields.
  • She inherited a beautiful manor in the countryside.
  • Visitors were in awe of the grandeur of the manor.
  • The manor was known for its exquisite architecture.
  • The manor served as a symbol of wealth and power.
Context #2 | Noun

legal term

A unit of land, originally a feudal lordship, consisting of a lord's demesne and lands rented to tenants.

Synonyms

feudal estate, fief, lordship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
manor

Used to refer to a large country house with lands, traditionally owned by the nobility. Suitable in both historical and modern contexts when talking about countryside estates.

  • The manor was surrounded by lush gardens.
  • They visited an old English manor on their vacation.
feudal estate

Refers to a piece of land in medieval Europe, held under the feudal system. It’s appropriate in historical discussions or academic settings.

  • The feudal estate was managed by a vassal.
  • Historians studied the structure of a typical feudal estate.
lordship

Refers to the authority or domain of a lord, often used in historical, legal, or formal contexts. It has a connotation of power and control.

  • Under his lordship, the peasants worked diligently.
  • His lordship decreed new laws for the region.
fief

Primarily used in a historical context, referring to an estate of land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for services. It emphasizes the feudal relationship.

  • The knight received a fief for his loyalty.
  • Each fief was governed according to the lord's rules.

Examples of usage

  • The manor was divided into smaller plots for farming.
  • The manor was governed by a lord who oversaw the tenants.
  • The tenants paid rent to the lord of the manor.
  • The manor system was a key feature of medieval society.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Manors were central to rural life in medieval England, housing both the nobles and the peasants who worked the land.
  • The decline of the manor system began around the 15th century as cities grew and people moved to towns for work.

Architecture

  • Many manors were designed in a grand style, featuring large halls, courtyards, and elaborate gardens reflecting the owner's wealth.
  • Common architectural styles for manors included Tudor and Georgian, characterized by unique rooflines and detailed brickwork.

Pop Culture

  • Manors often appear in literature and movies, serving as symbols of wealth and power, such as in 'Downton Abbey' where the lifestyle of the English aristocracy is showcased.
  • The concept of a 'haunted manor' is popular in horror films, reflecting the eerie atmosphere of old, empty houses.

Social Structure

  • The manor system created a hierarchical society, where the lord at the top had power over the peasants who farmed the land.
  • Life in a manor was heavily influenced by class differences, creating distinct roles for the gentry and the laborers.

Origin of 'manor'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mini' meaning to remain or stay, suggesting a place to dwell.
  • In medieval times, a 'manor' referred to an estate controlled by a lord or noble, especially during the feudal system.

The word 'manor' originated from Old French 'manoir' which in turn came from Latin 'manere' meaning 'to remain'. Initially, manors were the principal houses of landed estates in medieval Europe, serving as the administrative and economic center of the estate. Over time, the term evolved to also represent a legal unit of land under feudalism, with a lord governing the demesne and tenants. Manors played a significant role in the feudal system and were essential to the agricultural economy of the Middle Ages.

See also: everyman, man, manacle, manage, mania, manipulate, mankind, manliness, manly, manner, mantra, manual, manure.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,639 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.