seigniory

or si·gno·ry

[ seen-yuh-ree ]

noun

, plural seign·ior·ies.

1. the power or authority of a seignior.
2. History/Historical. a lord's domain.

seigniory

/ ˈseɪnjərɪ; ˈsiːnjərɪ /

noun

1. less common names for a seigneury
2. (in England) the fee or manor of a seignior; a feudal domain
3. the authority of a seignior or the relationship between him and his tenants
4. a body of lords

Word History and Origins

Origin of seigniory¹

1250–1300; Middle English seignorie < Old French; seigneur, -y ³

Example Sentences

On the continent the common use of the scocheon is to bear the paternal arms of a sovereign or noble, surmounting the quarterings of his kingdoms, principalities, fiefs or seigniories.

From Project Gutenberg

In English law the term “honour” is used of a seigniory of several manors held under one baron or lord paramount.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the last lord seignior to live within the seigniory, which passed from him to his son-in-law John de Mowbray.

From Project Gutenberg

A royal seigniory, lost on the confines of Gaul, it has not yet suffered from the disasters of war that for more than a half century have been desolating the center of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

A few seigniories were established by that company; but, as we have seen, the country under its management was practically at a stand-still.

From Project Gutenberg