Definition

Noun: 1. The estate of a seigneur: The land, property, and associated rights owned and controlled by a feudal lord (a seigneur). This term historically refers to the domain and authority of a lord in a feudal system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The vast signory included several villages and extensive farmlands.
  • The duke's signory was passed down through generations of his family.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Legal Context: The term is used in historical and legal discussions of feudalism to denote the territorial unit and jurisdiction of a lord.
  • The documents detailed the taxes and duties owed by peasants living within the signory.

Variants and Related Words

• Seigniory (noun): A variant spelling with the same meaning as "signory."
• Seigneur (noun): The lord who owns or rules a signory.
• Manor (noun): A similar concept, often referring to the lord's estate and lands in a feudal system.

Synonyms

• Domain: The territory over which rule or control is exercised.
• Estate: A large area of land owned by a person or family.
• Fief: An estate of land held on condition of feudal service.

Notes

• "Signory" is an archaic term primarily encountered in historical texts concerning European, particularly French and Italian, feudal societies. Its use in modern English is rare and specialized.

Noun

1. the estate of a seigneur