Legal Definitions - manhood

The term "manhood" carries two distinct legal meanings, one pertaining to a person's legal age and the other to a historical feudal ceremony.

1. Legal Majority: In its primary legal sense, "manhood" refers to the point at which a male person attains the age of legal majority. This is the age when an individual is legally recognized as an adult, thereby acquiring full legal rights, responsibilities, and the capacity to make independent decisions, enter into contracts, and exercise civic duties without requiring parental or guardian consent.

• Example 1 (Legal Majority): Upon turning 18, Mark decided to purchase his first car. Although his parents offered advice, legally, Mark had reached his manhood and was fully capable of signing the sales contract and taking on the financial responsibility himself.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "manhood" as the attainment of legal majority. By reaching 18, Mark gained the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract, a key characteristic of legal adulthood.

• Example 2 (Legal Majority): After graduating high school, Emily's twin brother, Alex, was eager to register for the draft and vote in the upcoming local elections. Having just reached his manhood, he was legally eligible to fulfill these civic obligations.

  Explanation: Here, "manhood" signifies Alex reaching the legal age (typically 18) where he is granted the right to vote and register for selective service, both fundamental responsibilities associated with legal majority.

2. Historical Feudal Homage: Historically, particularly within the feudal system of medieval Europe, "manhood" referred to a formal ceremony where a vassal (a person who held land from a lord) publicly pledged loyalty and service to their lord. This ritual symbolized the vassal becoming "the man" of the lord, committing their life, limb, and honor to the lord's service in exchange for protection and the right to hold land.

• Example 3 (Historical Feudal Homage): In the 12th century, Lord Edward summoned his new tenant, Baron Thomas, to the castle courtyard. There, Baron Thomas knelt, unarmed and bareheaded, placing his hands between Lord Edward's and solemnly declared, "I become your man, from this day forth, of life and limb and earthly honor." This ancient ceremony was known as manhood, solidifying the feudal bond between them.

  Explanation: This example describes a specific historical scenario where a vassal performs the ritualistic act of homage to his lord, explicitly stating the pledge of loyalty and service. This ceremony was known as "manhood" in the feudal context, signifying the establishment of the lord-vassal relationship.