Legal Definitions - alienatio feudi

Alienatio feudi refers to the historical practice of transferring or disposing of a feudal right. In the feudal system, a lord would grant land, known as a fief, to a vassal in exchange for loyalty, military service, or other obligations. The vassal, in turn, held specific rights over that land. Alienatio feudi was the act of transferring these rights, or the land itself, to another party, which often required the original lord's consent.

• Example 1: A Knight Sells Part of His Fief
  Sir Reginald, a knight who holds a manor as a fief from the Duke, decides to sell a small portion of his land to a prosperous local miller to raise funds for new armor. This transaction represents an alienatio feudi because Sir Reginald is transferring his feudal right to that specific parcel of land to the miller, effectively disposing of a part of his holding. Such a transfer would typically require the Duke's approval.

• Example 2: A Baron Gifts Land to a Monastery
  Baroness Eleanor, who holds extensive lands under a powerful Earl, chooses to donate a section of her forested territory to a newly established monastery for its sustenance and expansion. By gifting the land, Baroness Eleanor is performing an alienatio feudi. She is disposing of her feudal right over that specific forest area, transferring it to the monastery, which would then hold it, likely under new terms or with the Earl's explicit permission.

• Example 3: A Vassal's Daughter Marries and Transfers Land as Dowry
  Lord Thomas, a vassal to the King, arranges for his daughter, Lady Isabella, to marry a neighboring lord. As part of the marriage settlement, Lord Thomas transfers a small village, which is part of his fief, to Lady Isabella and her new husband as her dowry. This act constitutes an alienatio feudi because Lord Thomas is disposing of his feudal right over the village, transferring it to his daughter and son-in-law. This transfer, especially to a new family, would almost certainly necessitate the King's consent to ensure the new holders would fulfill the original feudal obligations.