enfeoff

[en-fef, -feef]

verb (used with object)

1. to invest with a freehold estate in land.

2. to give as a fief.

enfeoff

/ ɪnˈfiːf /

verb

1. property law to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land

2. (in feudal society) to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services

Other Word Forms

• enfeoffment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

1350–1400; Middle English enfe(o)ffen < Anglo-French enfe(o)ffer, equivalent to en- en- ¹ ( def. ) + Old French fiefer, fiever, derivative of fief fief

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see _fief

Example Sentences

The striking differences between the duties of the several freeholders of one manor seem to show that these people were not enfeoffed by the lord at the same time and under the same conditions.

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Enfeoff′ment, act of enfeoffing: the deed which invests with the fee of an estate.

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The oath concludes thus: "I shall not sell, nor give away, nor mortgage, "enfeoff anew, nor in any way alienate the possessions "belonging to my table, without the leave of the Ro- "man Pontiff.

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He reinstated old duchies and counties, and enfeoffed his loyal Germans.

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As a villein might be enfeoffed of freeholds, though they lay at the mercy of his lord, so a freeman might hold tenements in villenage.

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