liege

¹

[ leej, leezh ]

noun

1. a feudal lord entitled to allegiance and service.
2. a feudal vassal or subject.

adjective

1. owing primary allegiance and service to a feudal lord.
2. pertaining to the relation between a feudal vassal and lord.
3. loyal; faithful:

   the liege adherents of a cause.

Liège

²

[ lee-eyzh; French lyezh ]

noun

1. a city in E Belgium, on the Meuse River: one of the first cities attacked in World War I.
2. a province in E Belgium. 1,521 sq. mi. (3,940 sq. km). : Liège.

Liège

¹

/ lɪˈeɪʒ; ljɛʒ /

noun

1. a province of E Belgium: formerly a principality of the Holy Roman Empire, much larger than the present-day province. Pop: 1 029 605 (2004 est). Area: 3877 sq km (1497 sq miles)
2. a city in E Belgium, capital of Liège province: the largest French-speaking city in Belgium; river port and industrial centre. Pop: 185 488 (2004 est)

liege

²

/ liːdʒ /

adjective

1. (of a lord) owed feudal allegiance (esp in the phrase liege lord )
2. (of a vassal or servant) owing feudal allegiance

   a liege subject

3. of or relating to the relationship or bond between liege lord and liegeman

   liege homage

4. faithful; loyal

noun

1. a liege lord
2. a liegeman or true subject

Word History and Origins

Origin of liege¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French li ( e ) ge ≪ Germanic *lēt- vassal + Latin -icus -ic; compare Medieval Latin lētī barbarians allowed to settle on Roman land (< Germanic; perhaps akin to let ¹ ), laeticus for *lēticus, derivative of lētī

Word History and Origins

Origin of liege¹

C13: from Old French lige, from Medieval Latin līticus, from lītus, laetus serf, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

My liege, can you blame the mare for going heavily when she bears the weight of three kingdoms on her back?

From Project Gutenberg

The Duke of Burgundy, the most powerful vassal of France, was in arms against his liege lord.

From Project Gutenberg

My object is to alter our route, by proceeding directly by the left bank of the Maes to Liege, instead of crossing at Namur.

From Project Gutenberg

The Bishop, therefore, put himself at the head of a few troops of his own, trusting to the assistance of the people of Liege.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile the march continued, and the confederates soon entered the territories of Liege.

From Project Gutenberg