noun
seigneur
A feudal lord, especially in France or Canada.
The seigneur collects rent from the farmers who work his land.
Etymology
The title descends from Latin senior, meaning older. Age and seniority became a title of lordship and feudal authority.
More examples
- The village grew around the seigneur's manor in Quebec.
- Several seigneurs held estates along the St. Lawrence River.
- The tenant owed annual dues to the seigneur.
Forms
seigneur · seigneurs
Similar words
- lord
- A broader title, not limited to French or Canadian feudalism.
- feudal lord
- Names the same role without the French or Canadian association.