enfeoff

[ en-fef, -feef ]

verb (used with object)

1. to invest with a freehold estate in land.
2. to give as a fief.

enfeoff

/ ɪnˈfiːf /

verb

1. property law to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land
2. (in feudal society) to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services

Derived Forms

• enˈfeoffment, noun

Other Words From

• en·feoffment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

1350–1400; Middle English enfe(o)ffen < Anglo-French enfe(o)ffer, equivalent to en- en- ¹( def ) + Old French fiefer, fiever, derivative of fief fief

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see fief