feudatory

American  

[fyoo-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈfyu dəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

plural

feudatories

1. a person who holds lands by feudal tenure; a feudal vassal.

2. a fief or fee.

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adjective

1. (of a kingdom or state) under the overlordship of another sovereign or state.

2. (of a feudal estate) holding or held by feudal tenure.

feudatory British  

/ -trɪ, ˈfjuːdətərɪ /

noun

1. a person holding a fief; vassal

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adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of the relationship between lord and vassal

2. (esp of a kingdom) under the overlordship of another sovereign

Etymology

Origin of feudatory

1585–95; < Medieval Latin feudā ( tor ) fief-holder ( see feud ², -ator) + -tory ¹, -tory ² )

Example Sentences

"But Indore has been a powerful feudatory of the Raj," it said.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2025

The Isle of Man, when subject to the Kings of Norway, was a subordinate feudatory kingdom.

From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various

He had, after he passed the Indus, led them through the deserts of Sind to the attack of a feudatory chief, who had established himself in the government of that province.

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 13 by Rudd, John

The count of Flanders thus became a feudatory of the empire as well as of the French crown.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

They form a body of feudatory rulers, possessing revenue and armies of their own.

From Due West or Round the World in Ten Months by Ballou, Maturin Murray