Legal Definitions - liege woman

Definition: A woman who owes feudal allegiance and service to a lord paramount.

In medieval times, people were often bound by feudal tenure to a lord paramount, meaning they owed loyalty and service to a higher-ranking lord. A liege woman was a female vassal who was bound to this feudal allegiance. She was expected to be loyal and faithful to her lord and perform any duties required of her.

Example: Lady Mary was a liege woman to Lord Robert, which meant she owed him loyalty and service in exchange for his protection and support.

This example illustrates how a woman in medieval times could be bound by feudal tenure to a lord paramount and be considered a liege woman. Lady Mary owed her loyalty and service to Lord Robert, and in return, he provided her with protection and support.