Feudatory

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈfjuːdətəɹɪ/

Definitions

1. A vassal or subordinate ruler who holds land from a superior lord in exchange for allegiance and service
2. A person or entity that holds land under the condition of loyalty and service to a higher authority or lord acts as a subordinate within a hierarchical structure
3. This term refers to someone who is granted land in return for their commitment and support to a dominating ruler or noble

Etymology: The word "feudatory" carries a feudal idea in its own grammar: it descends from Mediaeval Latin "feudāre", "to enfeoff", meaning to grant someone land in return for loyal service. That verb came from "feudum" (also "feodum"), the Latin term for such a land grant, so the noun names the person who holds land under that bargain rather than the land itself. The Latin source, "feudātōrius", is an adjective meaning relating to a fief, and English took the word through that adjectival sense before it was used as a noun for the vassal himself. The chain runs from a legal transaction to a person's identity: a feudatory was defined by the promise of loyalty attached to his holding.

Synonyms: vassal, subordinate, liege, fief, servant

Antonyms: lord, overlord, sovereign, master, ruler