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

But these small tenants are all sub-tenants enfeoffed by the principal freeholders whose own tenements are distributed into regular agrarian unity.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg