liege
|liege|
/liːdʒ/
feudal bond; allegiance
Etymology
'liege' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'lige', where it referred to a person in a feudal relationship and suggested closeness or obligation of service.
'liege' passed into Middle English from Old French 'lige' during the 12th-13th centuries and became the modern English 'liege' used for a feudal lord or one owing allegiance.
Initially it referred to the idea of a close, binding relationship (often with senses of 'free' or 'closest'), and over time the focus shifted to meaning 'a lord entitled to allegiance' or 'owing allegiance' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service; a sovereign to whom loyalty is due (often used in the address 'my liege').
The knight bent his knee and swore fealty to his liege.
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Noun 2
a person (historical) who owes allegiance to a lord; a vassal (archaic or dialectal use).
In older texts, 'liege' sometimes refers to a liegeman who serves his liege.
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Adjective 1
owing allegiance or fidelity; faithful to a sovereign or lord.
He was a liege subject, always ready to defend the crown.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 08:30