liege lords
Masters of vassals
Liege lords were medieval rulers who commanded the loyalty and service of vassals in the feudal system.
A vassal owed military service, counsel, and other obligations to his liege lord, who in return provided protection and land.
The term survives mainly in historical contexts and fantasy literature: The knight knelt before his liege lord and swore fealty.
- feudalOf tiered landownership
- feudal systemMedieval land-loyalty arrangement
- fealtyPledged devotion to authority
- oath of fealtySworn allegiance to superior
- homageExpression of deep respect
oaths · blood oath · allegiance · sworn · nobility · noble houses · knights · manor · castle · throne · sovereign · divine right · realm · dominion · bannermen · tribute · loyalty · crown