feudatory

[ fyoo-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural feu·da·to·ries.

1. a person who holds lands by feudal tenure; a feudal vassal.
2. a fief or fee.

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

/ -trɪ; ˈfjuːdətərɪ /

noun

1. a person holding a fief; vassal

adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of the relationship between lord and vassal
2. (esp of a kingdom) under the overlordship of another sovereign

Word History and Origins

Origin of feudatory¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of feudatory¹

C16: from Medieval Latin feudātor

Example Sentences

A feudatory Sovereign indeed; but yet independent so long as my dues of homage are duly discharged.

From Project Gutenberg

Though a feudatory of the rebellious Holkar of Indore, he kept aloof from all Mahratta intrigues, and behaved well to us.

From Project Gutenberg

The feudatory knights had disagreements among themselves, and carried on petty war against each other.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1905 the district of Sambalpur, together with the five feudatory states, was transferred to Bengal.

From Project Gutenberg

If the principality was feudatory, the conclusion necessarily follows, that it was under the government of the king's laws.

From Project Gutenberg