Legal Definitions - proper feud

A proper feud refers to a historical system of land tenure where land was granted by a lord to a vassal (or tenant) in exchange for specific services, loyalty, and homage. This grant, often called a fief or fee, meant the vassal did not own the land outright but held it *of* the lord, subject to fulfilling their obligations. If the vassal failed to provide the agreed-upon services, the lord could reclaim the land. This system formed the foundational basis of feudal society and governance, establishing a hierarchical relationship between the lord and the tenant.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a powerful medieval king granting a large estate to a skilled knight. In return for this land, the knight pledges to provide a specific number of armed soldiers for the king's army whenever called upon, along with an oath of loyalty. This arrangement is a proper feud because the knight holds the land not as absolute owner, but conditionally upon providing military service to the king. If the knight failed to supply the soldiers, the king could legally reclaim the estate.

• Consider a baron in the 12th century who allows a group of peasants to cultivate a portion of his vast lands. In exchange for the right to live on and farm this land, the peasants are obligated to work a certain number of days each week on the baron's personal fields (known as the demesne) and to give a portion of their harvest to the baron. This setup represents a proper feud, as the peasants hold their plots under the baron's authority, with their tenure directly tied to the agricultural services and produce they provide.

• Picture a wealthy duke who grants a smaller manor to a trusted administrator. This administrator's primary duty is to manage the duke's affairs in a particular region, including collecting taxes, overseeing local justice, and maintaining order. The manor serves as his residence and source of income, but it is held under the condition of his loyal and effective administrative service to the duke. This arrangement exemplifies a proper feud, where the land grant is contingent upon the performance of specific governmental or managerial duties for the lord.