DROIT DU SEIGNEUR Meaning and
Definition
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Droit du seigneur is a French term that translates to "right of the lord" in English. It refers to a historical practice or myth of feudal law in which a feudal lord, or seigneur, claimed the right to have sexual relations with the bride of any vassal or serf living within his jurisdiction on their wedding night. This feudal privilege illustrated the lord's authority and ownership over the land and its people.
According to the myth, the lord would often exercise this right by sleeping with the bride before her legitimate husband had the chance to, thus effectively initiating the marriage. This practice was believed to ensure the wife's fertility and loyalty, as she was thought to be blessed by the lord.
Throughout history, the existence and extent of droit du seigneur have been widely debated, and its existence in actual legal systems is inconclusive. The idea of this right gained significant attention through literature, art, and folklore, particularly during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It has been portrayed in various literary works such as poetry, novels, and plays, including William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure."
Today, droit du seigneur is considered a historical phenomenon and is often viewed as a symbol of male dominance and abuse of power. It is deemed as a violation of individual rights and incompatible with modern principles of equality and consent.
