Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

seigneur

Noun

/sɛ̃.ɡœʁ/

Definition

A Lord or nobleman in feudal France who held land and exercised power over vassals and serfs.

Examples

The seigneur of the village was responsible for the welfare of his peasants.
In medieval times, a seigneur could demand agricultural produce from his vassals.
The title of seigneur reflects a long tradition of feudal hierarchy in French history.

Meaning

Historically used to refer to a feudal lord in France; the term denotes someone who held authority over a territory and its inhabitants, regulating their lives and property through a system of feudal obligations.