Manorial is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /məˈnɔːriəl/ - the first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the stressed "naw" sound. The word refers to something related to a manor, specifically the legal and economic rights associated with a manor in feudal society. The spelling of manorial can be tricky, with the unfamiliar combination of "n" and "o" in the first syllable. Spell check can be a useful tool for ensuring the correct spelling of manorial.
Manorial is an adjective that refers to something related to or characteristic of a manor or a manor house. It describes aspects pertaining to the social, economic, and agricultural systems associated with a medieval manor.
Historically, a manor was a self-sufficient estate owned by a lord or a noble in feudal Europe. It typically encompassed a sizeable area of land, including the manor house, agricultural lands, forests, and the village where the peasants lived. The manorial system was an integral part of medieval society and governed various aspects of life within the manor.
In this context, manorial implies features and practices that were common within this feudal system. It may refer to the manorial court, an entity responsible for administering justice and imposing fines within the manor. Manorial rights or customs refer to the specific privileges, duties, or obligations granted or imposed on the lord and his tenants. These might include the right to collect certain taxes, hold markets, or engage in activities like hunting or fishing.
Manorial architecture and design often embody a distinct style characterized by large estates, fortified or grand manor houses, and formal gardens. The term can also describe manorial records or documents, such as rental rolls, surveys, or court rolls, which provide insights into the governance, economy, and daily life of medieval manors.
Overall, manorial pertains to the customs, structures, and social dynamics prevalent within the medieval manorial system, showcasing the unique characteristics of this feudal societal arrangement.
Belonging to a manor.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "manorial" derives from the Latin term "manerium", which refers to a residence or dwelling place. "Manerium" itself stems from the Latin word "manere", meaning "to remain" or "to stay". In medieval times, a manorial estate was a fundamental unit of territorial organization in Europe, typically consisting of a lord's residence or manor house, agricultural lands, and the surrounding village. Over time, the term "manorial" came to be associated with the economic, social, and legal systems connected to these manors, giving rise to its current usage.