attorn

[ uh-turn ]

verb (used without object)

1. to acknowledge the relation of a tenant to a new landlord.

verb (used with object)

1. to turn over to another; transfer.

attorn

/ əˈtɜːn /

verb

1. law to acknowledge a new owner of land as one's landlord
2. feudal history to transfer allegiance or do homage to a new lord

Derived Forms

• atˈtornment, noun

Other Words From

• at·tornment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorn¹

1425–75; late Middle English attournen < Anglo-French attourner, Old French atourner to turn over to. See at-, turn

Word History and Origins

Origin of attorn¹

C15: from Old French atourner to direct to, from tourner to turn

Example Sentences

The tenants on the land had all long ago attorned to them, father and son, from time out of mind, paying rent regularly.

From Project Gutenberg

But he hankered after his elder Brother’s Estate, and, on his Death, suddenly got the Tenants to attorn to him, and basely dispossessed his Nephew.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Gaelic League decided to make the learning of Irish compulsory, it attorned to this tyranny.

From Project Gutenberg

A strong advocate of Repeal and tenant-right, he gradually attorned to the Young Irelanders when he discovered that the Whig Government had bought up Conciliation Hall.

From Project Gutenberg

The Judge on the bench he looked awfully stern; The District Attorney began to attorn; The witnesses lied and the lawyers—O my!—

From Project Gutenberg