Legal Definitions - accipitare

accipitare

Accipitare is a historical legal term that refers to the act of making a payment to a lord in exchange for becoming their vassal. In the feudal system, this payment served to formalize the relationship, securing the vassal's loyalty, service, and often the right to hold land or receive protection from the lord. A common and specific application of accipitare was the payment of "relief," which was a fee paid by an heir to a lord upon inheriting an estate, thereby formally recognizing the heir as the new vassal for that land.

• Example 1 (General Vassalage): Imagine a skilled knight in medieval Europe, Sir Kael, who wishes to serve a powerful Duke and gain a grant of land (a fief) for his loyalty and military service. Sir Kael might present himself to the Duke and offer a significant sum of gold or valuable goods. This payment, made to the Duke to formally enter his service and receive the rights and protections associated with being a vassal, would be an act of accipitare.

  This example illustrates accipitare as a direct payment to a lord to establish a new vassalage relationship, securing land and protection in exchange for loyalty and service.

• Example 2 (Inheritance of an Estate): When Lord Alaric, a baron, passed away, his eldest son, Theron, was set to inherit his father's extensive lands and titles. However, these lands were ultimately held under the King. To formally succeed his father and secure his own rights to the barony, Theron would have been required to pay a specific fee, known as "relief," to the King. This payment to the King, acknowledging royal overlordship and confirming Theron's inheritance, is a classic instance of accipitare.

  Here, accipitare specifically refers to the "relief" payment made by an heir to their lord to formalize their succession to an inherited estate, thereby continuing the vassalage relationship.

• Example 3 (Acquiring Rights within a Lord's Domain): Consider a prosperous merchant, Elara, who sought to establish a new trading post and residence within a bustling town controlled by a powerful Earl. To gain the Earl's permission, protection, and the right to conduct her business and live within his domain, Elara might have offered a substantial payment to the Earl. This initial payment, securing her place and rights under the Earl's authority, would also be considered an act of accipitare.

  This example demonstrates accipitare in a broader context, where a payment is made to a lord to gain specific rights, such as residence and the ability to conduct business, within their territory, effectively establishing a form of vassalage or dependent relationship.