seisin

American  

[see-zin] / ˈsi zɪn /

Sometimes seizin

noun

Law.

1. (originally) possession of either land or chattel.

2. the kind of possession or right to possession characteristic of estates of freehold.

---

seisin British  

/ ˈsiːzɪn /

noun

1. property law feudal possession of an estate in land

---

Etymology

Origin of seisin

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French saisine, equivalent to sais(ir) “to take, seize” + -ine noun suffix; see origin at seize, -in(e) ²

Example Sentences

But the statute not only failed to abolish uses: it also opened the way to the evasion of the public ceremony of livery of seisin, and the avoidance of all notoriety in conveyances.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various

On Edward's taking seisin of Scotland, the regency came to an end.

From The History of England From the Accession of Henry III. to the Death of Edward III. (1216-1377) by Hunt, William

The whole business was in fact to be as formal as the delivery of the seisin of Scotland to Edward during the suit for the succession.

From The History of England From the Accession of Henry III. to the Death of Edward III. (1216-1377) by Hunt, William

Finally, there is, in The Day's Work, clear evidence of Mr Kipling's intention ultimately to abandon the hills and plains of India and to take literary seisin of the country and chronicles of England.

From Rudyard Kipling by Palmer, John

Clement took the hint and bettered the line with a crownpiece, and hastening back to his inn he took seisin of a seat in the coffee room which commanded the main street.

From Ovington's Bank by Weyman, Stanley J.