noun
liege
LEEJ/liːdʒ/
A feudal lord entitled to loyalty and service.
The knight kneels before his liege and pledges his loyalty.
Etymology
Old French lige expressed fidelity given or received, reflecting a reciprocal bond: the vassal owed service, and the lord owed protection. Here the noun names the lord entitled to that service; its deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
I would be at your side, my liege, when the lion banner is in the wind once more. I have ever been there. Why should you cast me now? I ask little, dear lord
More examples
- The vassal owes military service to his liege.
- My liege, your knights await your orders.
- The nobles pledge loyalty to different lieges.
Forms
liege · lieges
Similar words
- lord
- A broader title that does not always imply feudal allegiance.
- overlord
- Emphasizes authority over other lords or subordinate rulers.