enfeoff

[ en-fef, -feef ]

verb (used with object)

1. to invest with a freehold estate in land.
2. to give as a fief.

enfeoff

/ ɪnˈfiːf /

verb

1. property law to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land
2. (in feudal society) to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services

Derived Forms

• enˈfeoffment, noun

Other Words From

• en·feoffment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

1350–1400; Middle English enfe(o)ffen < Anglo-French enfe(o)ffer, equivalent to en- en- ¹( def ) + Old French fiefer, fiever, derivative of fief fief

Word History and Origins

Origin of enfeoff¹

C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see fief

Example Sentences

But these small tenants are all sub-tenants enfeoffed by the principal freeholders whose own tenements are distributed into regular agrarian unity.

From Project Gutenberg

Enfeoff′ment, act of enfeoffing: the deed which invests with the fee of an estate.

From Project Gutenberg

The oath concludes thus: "I shall not sell, nor give away, nor mortgage, "enfeoff anew, nor in any way alienate the possessions "belonging to my table, without the leave of the Ro- "man Pontiff.

From Project Gutenberg

In feudal times the kings had enfeoffed bishops with great fiefs in order to counterbalance the insubordinate secular lords, and because, in episcopal hands, these fiefs did not become hereditary.

From Project Gutenberg

As a villein might be enfeoffed of freeholds, though they lay at the mercy of his lord, so a freeman might hold tenements in villenage.

From Project Gutenberg