liege
Liege (noun) means In feudal times, a lord entitled to service and loyalty from his subjects, or (less often) the subject who owed that loyalty. Example: “The knights swore to defend their liege against all enemies.”
How to use liege
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old feudal word for a lord (or the loyalty owed to one) — mostly seen now in historical fiction and fantasy.
Archaic; used today mainly in medieval settings, fantasy writing, or for deliberate old-fashioned effect.
Word forms
lieges plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The knights swore to defend their _____ against all enemies.
Etymology
From Old French liege, tracing back through Middle High German ledic ("free") to a Germanic root meaning unrestricted or unattached.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for liege
See all rhymes for liege →Frequently asked questions
What does “liege” mean?
The word “liege” means in feudal times, a lord entitled to service and loyalty from his subjects, or (less often) the subject who owed that loyalty. In plain terms, an old feudal word for a lord (or the loyalty owed to one) — mostly seen now in historical fiction and fantasy.
How do you pronounce “liege”?
“Liege” is pronounced leej (/liːd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “liege” in a sentence?
Here is “liege” used in a sentence: “The knights swore to defend their liege against all enemies.”
What part of speech is “liege”?
Depending on how it is used, “liege” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “liege” come from?
The word “liege” comes from Old French. From Old French liege, tracing back through Middle High German ledic ("free") to a Germanic root meaning unrestricted or unattached.
How many meanings does “liege” have?
“Liege” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in feudal times, a lord entitled to service and loyalty from his subjects, or (less often) the subject who owed that loyalty.