base estate

American  

noun

Old English Law.

1. an estate held from a lord on the condition of performing some service, especially service of a demeaning nature.

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Example Sentences

Knox accordingly blesses 'God, who by the dew of his heavenly grace, hath so quenched the fire of displeasure in your Grace's heart,' and with unprecedented courtesy apologises 'that a man of base estate and condition dare enterprise to admonish a Princess so honourable, endued with wisdom and graces singular.'

From Project Gutenberg

Let him know little, so shall he not be able to execute much: suppress his wits with a base estate, and though he be a gentleman by nature, yet form him anew, and make him a peasant by nurture: so shalt thou keep him as a slave, and reign thyself sole lord over all thy father's possessions.

From Project Gutenberg

But Starkad would rather be tortured by grievous wounds than use the service of a man of base estate, and first asked his birth and calling.

From Project Gutenberg