Feudatory meaning

A feudatory is a vassal who holds land in exchange for a pledge of service and loyalty to a sovereign lord.


Feudatory definitions

Word backwards yrotaduef
Part of speech The word feudatory is an adjective.
Syllabic division feu-da-to-ry
Plural The plural of feudatory is feudatories.
Total letters 9
Vogais (4) e,u,a,o
Consonants (5) f,d,t,r,y

Feudatory refers to a person or state that owes allegiance to a feudal lord in return for protection and land. In a feudal system, the feudatory holds land or a territory granted to them by the lord in exchange for their allegiance and military service.

Feudatory in Feudal System

In a feudal system, the lord granted land to vassals in exchange for their loyalty and military support. The vassals, known as feudatories, would then owe allegiance to the lord and provide military service when called upon.

Roles and Responsibilities

Feudatories had specific roles and responsibilities within the feudal system. They were expected to provide military support to their lord, including fighting in battles and protecting the land granted to them. In return, they received land, protection, and sometimes other privileges from the lord.

Relationship with the Feudal Lord

The relationship between a feudatory and their feudal lord was based on mutual obligations. The lord granted land and protection to the feudatory, who in turn owed allegiance and military service to the lord. This relationship formed the basis of the feudal system.

Legacy of Feudatories

The concept of feudatories and feudalism played a significant role in medieval societies, shaping social structures and power dynamics. Feudatories were essential in maintaining order and providing military support in a time of frequent conflicts and power struggles.

In modern times, the term feudatory is mainly used in historical contexts to describe the relationship between vassals and lords in feudal societies. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of feudatories helps in comprehending the complexity of feudal systems and their impact on governance and society.

Overall, feudatories were an integral part of feudal societies, contributing to the hierarchical structure and military strength of the feudal system. Their allegiance and military service to their lords were crucial for maintaining stability and order in medieval times.


Feudatory Examples

  1. The feudatory ruler pledged loyalty to the king in exchange for protection.
  2. The feudatory system allowed for decentralized governance in medieval India.
  3. The feudatory lord maintained control over his own lands while acknowledging the suzerainty of the monarch.
  4. The feudatory tribes provided military support to the dominant kingdom in times of war.
  5. The feudatory vassals paid tribute to the overlord as a sign of their allegiance.
  6. The feudatory relationship between the two clans lasted for generations.
  7. The feudatory states enjoyed a degree of autonomy under the imperial rule.
  8. The feudatory territories were granted to loyal nobles as a reward for their service.
  9. The feudatory system was a common practice during the feudal era.
  10. The feudatory agreement ensured mutual protection between the two factions.


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  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 06:23:09