homage

[ hom-ij, om-; oh-mahzh ]

noun

1. respect or reverence paid or rendered:

   In his speech he paid homage to Washington and Jefferson.

   Synonyms: tribute, honor, obeisance, deference

   Antonyms: irreverence

2. the formal public acknowledgment by which a feudal tenant or vassal declared himself to be the man or vassal of his lord, owing him fealty and service.
3. the relation thus established of a vassal to his lord.

   Synonyms: devotion, loyalty, fidelity

   Antonyms: disloyalty

4. something done or given in acknowledgment or consideration of the worth of another:

   a Festschrift presented as an homage to a great teacher.

homage

/ ˈhɒmɪdʒ /

noun

1. a public show of respect or honour towards someone or something (esp in the phrases pay or do homage to )
2. in feudal society
   1. the act of respect and allegiance made by a vassal to his lord See also fealty
   2. something done in acknowledgment of vassalage

verb

1. archaic.
   to render homage to

homage

1. Under feudalism , the personal submission of a vassal to a lord, by which the vassal pledged to serve the lord and the lord to protect the vassal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of homage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (h)omage, from Old French, equivalent to (h)ome “man” (from Latin hominem, accusative of homō; Homo ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of homage¹

C13: from Old French, from home man, from Latin homo

Example Sentences

He paid homage to Trump at Mar-a-Lago this spring and on Monday asserted that he would support Trump's policy agenda just as he did during his first term in the White House.

From Salon

With a military band playing marches, the Spirit of Normandy group were brought past the Cenotaph, part of a long stream of veterans paying their homage, each bringing their own memories as they laid their wreaths.

From BBC

As Delany put it, “The extent to which the American people carry this glorification of military crusaders is beyond a parallel. ... The extent to which this homage is carried ceases to be respectful since it is neither kind nor complimentary, but like the homage of the serf to the noble or the vassal to his lord, it is ludicrous.”

From Salon

It’s paying homage to the rich history and vibrant stories tied to specific ingredients that ultimately make up a finished meal.

From Salon

This year’s walk will pay homage to Schneider’s family.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allegiance
• deference
• loyalty
• reverence
• tribute