seisin

[ see-zin ]

noun

, Law.

1. (originally) possession of either land or chattel.
2. the kind of possession or right to possession characteristic of estates of freehold.

seisin

/ ˈsiːzɪn /

noun

1. property law feudal possession of an estate in land

Word History and Origins

Origin of seisin¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French saisine, equivalent to sais(ir) “to take, seize” + -ine noun suffix; seize, -in(e) ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of seisin¹

C13: from Old French seisine, from seisir to seize

Example Sentences

In Florence a transaction of 1283 shows this to be the received regulation; and documents of various dates during the next half-century indicate that it was the custom of the republic to appoint attorneys or trustees to take seisin of confiscated property in the name of the city, which in 1319 liberally granted its share for the next ten years to the construction of the church of Santa Reparata.

From Project Gutenberg

You know the old saying, 'Short signing, long seisin?

From Project Gutenberg

The Dean, the Canon in residence, and the Pr�centor, an active young fellow, consulted their lawyer, and talked largely of ejectment, title, and seisin.

From Project Gutenberg

Clement took the hint and bettered the line with a crownpiece, and hastening back to his inn he took seisin of a seat in the coffee room which commanded the main street.

From Project Gutenberg

The vastness of the nave took seisin of us at once; but the charm was rudely broken.

From Project Gutenberg