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

Tufts of black lambswool and recycled nylon sprout up in contrast to the conventional ribbed beanie brim, an homage to the overactive crown chakra that is every Sagittarian’s secret weapon and downfall.

From Los Angeles Times

The line runs through Wembley and pays homage to the most successful senior England football team since 1966.

From BBC

From a green American football jersey, combined with a layered frilly red dress styled as a skirt - in the colours of the Zambian flag to pay homage to 60 years of independence.

From BBC

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

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

From Salon

Related Words

• allegiance
• deference
• loyalty
• reverence
• tribute