The spelling of Lehnherr can be a bit tricky to decipher based on its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈlɛn.hɛr/. The first syllable "Len" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by a nasalized "n" sound. The "h" is silent, and the second syllable "herr" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, followed by the "r" sound. This German surname translates to "feudal lord," and is spelled with the letter "h" to indicate a strong emphasis on the "herr" portion of the word.
The word "Lehnherr" is derived from Germanic roots. It is a combination of two words: "Lehn" and "Herr".
1. "Lehn" (also spelled "Lehen") originates from the Old High German word "lehhan", which means "to lend" or "to grant". In medieval feudal societies, a "Lehn" referred to a fief or a piece of land that was granted to a vassal by a lord in exchange for loyalty and services. The vassal held the land as a "Lehnsmann" (vassal) and had certain obligations towards the lord.
2. "Herr" is a German word meaning "lord" or "master". It comes from the Old High German word "herro" (also spelled "herro") with the same meaning.