feudatory

1 of 2

adjective

feu·​da·​to·​ry ˈfyü-də-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce feudatory (audio)
1
: owing feudal allegiance
2
: being under the overlordship of a foreign state

feudatory

2 of 2

noun

plural feudatories
1
: a dependent lordship : fee
2
: one holding lands by feudal tenure

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin feudatorius, from feudare to enfeoff, from feudum

First Known Use

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feudatory was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near feudatory

Cite this Entry

“Feudatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feudatory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on feudatory

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!