Legal Definitions - nomine feudifirmae

Definition: Nomine feudifirmae (nahm-uh-nee fyoo-di-fur-mee) is a term used in Scots law to refer to lands held in feu. Feu is a right to land given to a person in exchange for service to be performed. It can also refer to land held by a vassal in return for an annual payment in money, crops, or services (called feu duty). This type of tenure was abolished in Scotland in 2000.

Examples: A person who holds land in feu may have to pay an annual fee to the landowner. For example, a farmer may hold land in feu and pay an annual fee to the landowner in exchange for the right to farm the land. Another example is a person who holds a perpetual lease for a fixed rent. They may pay a fixed amount of rent each year to the landowner in exchange for the right to use the land.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how land can be held in feu and the obligations that come with it. In both examples, the landholder has to pay a fee or rent to the landowner in exchange for the right to use the land. This is a common feature of feu, where the landholder has certain obligations to the landowner in exchange for the right to use the land.