Legal Definitions - petit serjeanty

Petit serjeanty is a type of feudal lay tenure that requires a small form of personal service to the king. This service is usually of military symbolism and of small value. Examples of petit serjeanty include presenting an arrow or an unstrung bow to the king.

Many household officers of the Crown, such as bakers and cooks, held lands in serjeanty. They were required to perform a minor service, like presenting an arrow, to the king in exchange for their land.

Another example of petit serjeanty is carrying the king's banner or serving as an officer at the coronation. These services were ceremonial or honorary and did not require military action.

Overall, petit serjeanty was a way for the king to ensure loyalty and service from his subjects, even those who were not knights or soldiers.