Legal Definitions - ligea

A ligea is a historical legal term that refers to a woman who owes allegiance, loyalty, or service to a feudal lord, monarch, or sovereign power. Essentially, she is a female subject within a feudal system or kingdom, bound by specific duties and obligations to her liege.

• Example 1: Feudal Estate

  Imagine a woman named Elara living on a medieval estate in the 12th century. She works the land, pays a portion of her harvest to the local baron, and is expected to contribute labor to maintain the baron's castle. She cannot leave the estate without the baron's permission.

  Explanation: Elara is considered a ligea because she is a female subject who owes allegiance and service to the baron, her feudal lord. Her life and duties are tied directly to her status as a subject within his domain.

• Example 2: Royal Kingdom

  Consider Lady Beatrice, a noblewoman in a 15th-century kingdom. While she holds land and has her own tenants, she has sworn an oath of fealty to the King. This oath obligates her to provide military support if called upon and to uphold the King's laws throughout her lands.

  Explanation: Lady Beatrice, despite her noble status, is a ligea to the King. She is a female subject who has formally pledged her loyalty and service to the monarch, making her bound by the duties of a liege woman within the kingdom.

• Example 3: Independent City-State

  In the bustling 14th-century city-state of Portia, Isabella is a merchant who lives and conducts business within its walls. She is required to pay taxes to the city council, obey its ordinances, and contribute to the city's militia in times of threat, as all residents are expected to do.

  Explanation: Isabella is a ligea of Portia because, as a female resident, she is a subject of the city-state's governing authority (the council). She owes loyalty and adherence to the city's laws and contributes to its well-being, fulfilling the role of a liege woman to the sovereign entity.