Legal Definitions - fidelitas

Definition: Fidelitas is a Latin word that means "fidelity" or loyalty. It is similar to the term "fealty" which refers to the allegiance that a tenant or vassal owes to a lord in feudal law.

Example: In medieval times, lords would require their vassals to swear an oath of fealty to them. This meant that the vassals had to be loyal to their lord and do whatever they were asked to do. Breaking this oath was considered a serious offense and could result in punishment.

Explanation: The example illustrates how fidelitas or fealty was an important concept in feudal society. It was a way for lords to ensure that their vassals would be loyal to them and do their bidding. The oath of fealty was taken very seriously and breaking it was seen as a betrayal. This shows how important loyalty was in feudal society and how it was enforced through legal and social means.