Legal Definitions - exercitalis

Exercitalis refers to an individual who is bound by an obligation of service, typically military in nature, to a superior lord or authority. It encompasses the roles of a soldier, warrior, or a person who owes allegiance and service as a vassal within a feudal system.

• Imagine Sir Kaelen, a knight in a medieval kingdom. He has sworn an oath of fealty to the Baron of Stonehaven, promising to provide military service, fight in the Baron's army, and defend his lands whenever called upon. In return, Sir Kaelen receives a grant of land and protection from the Baron.

  In this scenario, Sir Kaelen is an exercitalis because he is a warrior and a vassal who owes specific military service and allegiance to his lord, fulfilling the core aspects of the term.

• Consider Lyra, a skilled archer living on a sprawling estate during a historical period of decentralized power. While not a full-time soldier, she is part of the lord's retinue and is expected to join the estate's defensive forces if the territory is threatened. Her dwelling and sustenance are provided by the lord in exchange for this potential service.

  Lyra exemplifies an exercitalis as she is a vassal bound by an obligation to provide protective or military service to her lord, even if her primary daily duties are not always martial.