Legal Definitions - infidel

The term "infidel" refers to an individual who does not subscribe to a particular belief system, especially a specific religion, when viewed from the perspective of those who do. Historically, it also described someone who violated a solemn oath of loyalty, particularly within a feudal system.

• Example 1: Religious Disagreement

  In a historical context where a dominant religious group held sway, a person who openly rejected the tenets of that established faith and instead followed a different spiritual path, or no path at all, might have been labeled an "infidel" by the religious authorities and their followers.

  Explanation: This illustrates the primary modern meaning, where the term is used by adherents of one faith to describe those outside of it, emphasizing a lack of belief in *their* specified religion.

• Example 2: Breach of Feudal Loyalty

  During the medieval era, if a baron had sworn an oath of fealty, pledging unwavering loyalty and military support to their king, but then secretly conspired with a rival kingdom and provided them with strategic information, the king would consider the baron an "infidel" for breaking their sacred vow.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates the historical usage of the term, where it signified a profound breach of a sworn oath or loyalty, specifically in the context of feudal obligations between a lord and their vassal.