Legal Definitions - liege man

Definition: A liege man is a historical term used to describe a vassal who owes feudal allegiance and service to a lord paramount. They are bound by feudal tenure to their lord and are loyal and faithful to them. The term can also refer to a loyal subject of a monarch or other sovereign.

Example: In medieval times, a knight would swear fealty to their liege lord, pledging their loyalty and service in exchange for protection and land. The liege man would then be bound to their lord and would have to fight for them in times of war.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a liege man was a vassal who owed allegiance and service to their lord. The knight would swear fealty to their liege lord, making them their superior and binding them to their service. This was a common practice in medieval times and was an important part of the feudal system.