SEIGNIORY Meaning and
Definition
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Seigniory is a term that refers to a concept rooted in medieval feudalism. It typically denotes an area or territory that is under the jurisdiction or control of a feudal lord, known as a seigneur. This term is derived from the Latin word "senior," meaning "lord" or "elder."
In the feudal system, the seigneur held the highest authority over the seigniory, acting as the principal landowner and governing the local population. The seigneur's power was derived from the granting of the land by a higher authority, typically a king or a higher-ranking noble.
The seigneur would exercise various rights and privileges within the seigniory, such as collecting taxes, dispensing justice, and regulating trade. Often, these rights involved the exploitation of natural resources found within the territory, such as forests, fisheries, or mines. In return for these rights, the seigneur would expect certain duties or services from the inhabitants, including military service and monetary payments.
Within the seigniory, the seigneur's authority was often absolute, with the power to make laws and enforce them. However, the seigneur was still accountable to the higher authority from which the land had been granted.
While the concept of seigniory is rooted in medieval feudalism, it gradually diminished in importance as centralized states emerged, transitioning into more centralized and bureaucratic systems of governance.
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A lordship; manorial power or authority; in Lower Canada, the right of feudal superiority.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEIGNIORY
- aeigniory
- zeigniory
- xeigniory
- deigniory
- eeigniory
- weigniory
- swigniory
- ssigniory
- sdigniory
- srigniory
- s4igniory
- s3igniory
- seugniory
- sejgniory
- sekgniory
- seogniory
- se9gniory
- se8gniory
- seifniory
- seignioey
- seignioy
- seigniozy
- Sygniory
Etymology of SEIGNIORY
The word "seigniory" comes from the Old French term "seigneurie", which referred to the dominion or jurisdiction of a feudal lord, also known as a "seigneur". The Old French word developed from Latin roots, with "senior" meaning "elder" or "chief" and "senioratus" referring to "seniority" or "supremacy". Over time, "seigneurie" evolved in both meaning and spelling to become "seigniory" in English, continuing to signify the authority and lands of a seigneur.
Similar spelling words for SEIGNIORY
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