tenant in chief

or tenant-in-chief

noun

1. a feudal vassal who holds land directly from the king.

tenant-in-chief

noun

1. (in feudal society) a tenant who held some or all of his lands directly from the king

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenant in chief¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The same principle applies to the relation between the tenant-in-chief and his under-tenant.

From Project Gutenberg

The old Parliaments, which every tenant-in-chief had at least the customary right of attending, were no longer to exist.

From Project Gutenberg