oath of fealty
Vassal's binding promise
An oath of fealty is a formal pledge of loyalty and service, historically sworn by a vassal to a lord in the feudal system.
The vassal promised faithful support in exchange for protection and land.
The phrase now appears in fantasy fiction and occasionally describes any binding promise of allegiance: New employees practically take an oath of fealty to the company.
- allegianceLoyalty owed to authority
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- vassalLand-holding sworn subordinate
- feudal lordLand-granting medieval ruler
- liege lordFeudal superior receiving homage
lord · liege · homage · pledge · vow · knight · feudal · sworn · binding · bended knee · kneel · crown · sovereign · royal court · sacred duty · duty · honor · service
oath of fealtyrenunciation
Formal surrender of claim
oath-breaking · repudiation · disavowal · apostasy · defection
oath of fealtymutiny
Revolt against authority
revolt · uprising · insubordination · emancipation · secession
oath of fealtyhandshake deal
Unwritten mutual commitment
gentleman's agreement · empty promise · lip service · pinky swear
oath, oaths, fealty, fealties, fidelity, infidelity, fiduciary, affidavit, faith