feoffment Definition
the granting of a fee or estate in land by a lord to a vassal in return for a pledge of service.
Using feoffment: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "feoffment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The feoffment of the land was granted to the vassal in exchange for his loyalty and military service.
Example
The king's feoffment of the land to his barons was a key element of the feudal system.
Example
The legal process of feoffment was used to transfer ownership of the property from the lord to the vassal.
feoffment Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for feoffment
Phrases with feoffment
a symbolic ceremony in which the lord delivers possession of the land to the vassal, often accompanied by the handing over of a twig or clod of earth
Example
The livery of seisin was performed to signify the completion of the feoffment.
a type of feoffment that grants the vassal complete ownership of the land, with no restrictions on inheritance or transfer
Example
The feoffment in fee simple was a valuable asset for the vassal, as it gave him full control over the land.
a type of feoffment in which the vassal holds the land on behalf of another person, such as a beneficiary or trustee
Example
The feoffment to uses was a common way to transfer property to a trust or other legal entity.
Origins of feoffment
from Old French 'fiefment', from 'fief' meaning 'fee'
Summary: feoffment in Brief
Feoffment [ˈfɛfmənt] is the granting of a fee or estate in land by a lord to a vassal in return for a pledge of service. It was a key element of the feudal system, with the lord granting ownership of the land to the vassal in exchange for loyalty and military service. Feoffment includes phrases like 'livery of seisin,' a symbolic ceremony, and 'feoffment in fee simple,' granting complete ownership. It also includes 'feoffment to uses,' where the vassal holds the land on behalf of another person.
