Seigneur

A seigneur is a term derived from the French language, historically used to denote a man of rank or authority, particularly in feudal societies. It specifically refers to a lord or noble who holds land and exercises lordship over a vassal in the feudal system. The term embodies notions of land ownership, power, and social hierarchy.

Seigneur meaning with examples

• In medieval France, the seigneur would oversee the village, ensuring that the peasants adhered to the obligations of their feudal contracts and providing protection in return.
• The seigneur owned vast estates, where he managed agricultural production and the labor of serfs, who were bound to the land and under his jurisdiction.
• During a recent historical reenactment, the actor portraying the seigneur donned intricate period clothing, interacting with villagers to portray the power dynamics of feudal society.
• In literature, the character of the seigneur often embodies the complexities of fealty and wealth, illustrating the tensions between nobility and common folk.
• The seigneurial system, while influential in shaping medieval societies, also laid the groundwork for emerging ideas of rights and governance, evolving as societies transitioned to different forms of rule.