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fealty

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fealty

In feudalism, the loyalty and duties owed by a vassal to a lord. In the 9th century fealty obliged the vassal not to take part in any action that would endanger the lord or his property, but by the 11th century the specific duties of fealty were established and included financial obligations and military service. Following an oath of fealty, an act of allegiance and respect (homage) was made by the vassal; when a fief was granted by the lord, it was formalized in the process of investiture.
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There was a common head, chieftain, or sovereign, whose authority extended over the whole nation; and a number of subordinate vassals, or feudatories, who had large portions of land allotted to them, and numerous trains of INFERIOR vassals or retainers, who occupied and cultivated that land upon the tenure of fealty or obedience, to the persons of whom they held it.
Federalist Papers Authored by Alexander Hamilton by Hamilton, Alexander View in context
But he smiled upon us all, and I had no chance to distinguish myself from the rest by any act of devotion before the blessed vision faded, though for long afterwards, in impassioned reveries, I accosted him and claimed him kindred because of my fealty, and because I would have been Spanish if I could.
My Literary Passions by Howells,William Dean View in context
But Steward, the particular god of his fealty and worship, appreciated.
Michael, Brother of Jerry by London, Jack View in context
 
 
 
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