arrière-ban

[ ar-ee-er-ban; French a ryer-bahn ]
/ ˈær iˌɛrˈbæn; French a ryɛrˈbɑ̃ /

noun, plural ar·ri·ère-bans [ar-ee-er-banz; French a ryer-bahn] /ˈær iˌɛrˈbænz; French a ryɛrˈbɑ̃/.

a group of vassals who owed military service, especially to French kings.
the summoning by a medieval ruler of all vassals and free men for military service.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of arrière-ban

1515–25; < French, alteration (by association with arrière behind, rear; see arrear) of Old French arban, herban < Germanic; compare Old High German hari army, ban ban2

Words nearby arrière-ban

arrivederci, arrivism, arrivisme, arriviste, arrivé, arrière-ban, arrière-garde, arrière-pensée, arroba, arrogance, arrogance of power
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for arriere-ban

arrière-ban
/ French (arjɛrbɑ̃) /

noun

(in medieval France) a summons to the king's vassals to do military service
the vassals so assembled for military service

Word Origin for arrière-ban

C16: changed from Old French herban call to arms, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heriban, from heri army + ban summons, ban ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012