Commandery is a word that refers to a group of knights or a local branch of a monarchy. Its spelling is rather tricky, having two distinct syllables with a schwa in the second one. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /kəˈmændəri/. The first syllable, represented by /kə/, is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is the unstressed vowel sound. The second syllable /ˈmænd/ is pronounced with an emphasis on the "mand" sound. Finally, the last syllable /əri/ is pronounced with a schwa sound, just like the first one.
A commandery is a term used to describe a geographical area or administrative division that is under the control or authority of a commander. It is typically used in a historical context to refer to a specific district or territorial jurisdiction ruled by military commanders or knights in the medieval era.
In the feudal system, commanderies were established as part of the hierarchy of a military order or religious institution. These commanderies were often grants of land or territories given to nobles or knights in exchange for their military service, loyalty, or support. The commander, be it a knight or a high-ranking official, would exercise authority over the commandery and its inhabitants, ensuring protection, enforcing laws, collecting taxes, and overseeing the organization of military affairs within the jurisdiction.
Furthermore, a commandery could also refer to a chivalric order or fraternity governed by its own commander. These commanderies were prevalent during the Crusades and were comprised of noble warriors who took religious vows and dedicated themselves to fighting for the cause of Christianity. The commander of the order would have significant power and responsibility in leading the knights and managing the affairs of the commandery.
In modern times, while the term commandery is rarely used, it can still be found in historical research or literature when discussing medieval governance or military organizations.
The body of knights of any military order; the estates and revenue of such order; commander-in-chief, in Great Britain, the military officer who has the command and direction of the land forces; a generalissimo.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "commandery" has its roots in the Old French term "comanderie", deriving from the verb "comandier" meaning "to command". The Old French term itself comes from the Vulgar Latin word "commandāre", which is a combination of "com-" (intensive prefix) and "mandāre" (to entrust, order). "Mandāre" originates from the Latin word "mandātum", which means "command" or "order". Ultimately, the word "commandery" traces back to the Latin term "mandātum", reflecting its original meaning as a place of command or authority.