Demesne - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Demesne refers to land attached to a manor or estate, historically retained by the owner for personal use. It can also denote a domain or territory under someone's control.
Definition:
Land attached to a manor, retained by the owner for personal use.
Synonyms:
estate, domain, territory, landholding
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
public land, common land
Common Collocations:
lord's demesne, royal demesne, feudal demesne
Derivatives:
demesnes (plural), demesnial (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "demesne" to refer to historical or legal land ownership, often in feudal contexts.
Common Phrases:
in one's demesne, lord of the demesne
Etymology:
From Old French "demeine," derived from Latin "dominium," meaning ownership or control.
Examples:
- 1. The lord's demesne included vast fields and forests.
- 2. She inherited a small demesne in the countryside.
- 3. The king’s demesne was protected by high walls.
- 4. Farmers worked the demesne but kept little for themselves.