Legal Definitions - feoffare

Feoffare is a historical legal term referring to the act of formally conveying or granting a freehold estate in land to another person. This process, known as enfeoffment, was a cornerstone of the feudal system, where land was typically granted in exchange for loyalty, service, or other obligations. It involved a public ceremony, often on the land itself, to signify the transfer of ownership and the creation of a new lord-vassal relationship.

• Example 1: In 12th-century England, a powerful baron might feoffare a portion of his vast estate to a loyal knight.

  Explanation: This act would involve the baron formally granting the knight a freehold interest in the land, meaning the knight would hold it for life and could pass it to his heirs, often in exchange for military service or homage. The ceremony of feoffare would publicly establish the knight as the new holder of the land under the baron.

• Example 2: A medieval king might choose to feoffare a newly conquered territory to a trusted earl who had demonstrated exceptional bravery in battle.

  Explanation: Here, the king is formally transferring ownership and control of the land to the earl. This act of feoffare would not only reward the earl but also establish a feudal relationship, obligating the earl to provide troops, taxes, or other services to the king in return for the land.

• Example 3: A wealthy landowner in the 14th century might decide to feoffare a parcel of land to a local monastery for the construction of a new chapel.

  Explanation: In this instance, the landowner formally grants the land to the religious institution. The act of feoffare ensures that the monastery holds a freehold estate, allowing them to build upon and use the land permanently, often in exchange for prayers or spiritual services for the donor's soul.