Feudary is a term that refers to a relationship in which a person held land tenure from a feudal lord. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈfjuːdərɪ/, which represents the pronunciation of each sound in the word. The first sound /f/ is spelled with the letter ‘f’ and is pronounced as an unvoiced labiodental fricative. The second sound /juː/ is spelled with the letters ‘eu’ and is pronounced as a long ‘u’. The final sound /dərɪ/ is spelled with the letters ‘dary’ and is pronounced as a schwa followed by an /r/ sound and an /ɪ/ sound.
A feudary, also known as a feudatory, is an individual who holds land or property under feudal law in exchange for providing certain services or obligations to a superior lord. The term "feudary" originates from the feudal system, which was the dominant social and political system in medieval Europe.
In this context, a feudary is typically a vassal or tenant who has been granted a fief, which is a portion of land, by a higher-ranking lord or monarch. The feudary's rights and obligations are outlined in a formal agreement called a feudal contract or vassalage. These agreements stipulate that the feudary must provide military service, financial payments, or other forms of support to the superior lord, who in turn offers protection and assistance.
The rights of a feudary over the land or property are limited, as they technically only hold it as a beneficiary of the superior lord. However, within the agreed terms, the feudary has the authority to make use of the land, collect rents or taxes from subtenants, and pass the fief down to their heirs.
Feudaries played a crucial role in the feudal system, supporting the hierarchical structure and maintaining socio-economic stability. Their relationships with the superior lords and other feudaries were defined by a complex system of obligations, allegiance, and mutual benefit.
• Holding land of a superior.
• One who holds lands by feudal service.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "feudary" comes from the Latin term "feudarius", which means "one who holds a fief" or "a vassal". It is derived from the medieval Latin term "feudum", meaning "fief" or "land granted by a feudal lord to a vassal in exchange for services". This term further traces back to the Germanic word "fehu" or "fehuþ", meaning "cattle" or "livestock", which was used to represent movable property and wealth. Over time, "feudum" began to specifically refer to landholdings granted under feudalistic systems, and "feudarius" denoted those who held such land. Eventually, this Latin term gave rise to the English word "feudary", which signifies an individual who holds a fief or owes fealty to a feudal lord.