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

"There's no better feeling. My mum and dad were here to see it," the Standard Liege midfielder added.

From BBC

The decision by a court in Liege came after Standard’s former owner Bruno Venanzi and shareholders of the company holding the club’s stadium requested the move, saying 777 had defaulted on a payment.

From Seattle Times

Standard Liege fans have regularly protested against the American investors this season, amid reports of players’ wages being delayed.

From Seattle Times

The firm already owns stakes in European teams including Genoa, Sevilla, Hertha Berlin and Standard Liege, as well as Brazilian club Vasco da Gama.

From BBC

Before advancing through Belgium, the Germans had to attack and destroy the powerful network of forts around the city of Liege, just inside the Belgian border.

From Literature