Fealty - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Fealty is a medieval term for loyalty or allegiance, especially sworn by a vassal to a lord. It implies faithfulness, duty, and service in a feudal relationship.
Definition:
Sworn loyalty or allegiance, especially to a feudal lord or sovereign.
Synonyms:
loyalty, allegiance, fidelity, devotion, faithfulness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
disloyalty, treachery, betrayal
Common Collocations:
oath of fealty, pledge fealty, swear fealty, show fealty, vow fealty
Derivatives:
fealties (plural), feal (obsolete adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "fealty" in historical or formal contexts to describe solemn loyalty or sworn allegiance.
Common Phrases:
swear fealty to the crown, pledge of fealty, oath of fealty
Etymology:
From Old French "fealté," derived from Latin "fidelitas," meaning faithfulness or loyalty.
Examples:
- 1. The knights swore fealty to their king for protection and land.
- 2. Fealty was a crucial bond in medieval feudal societies.
- 3. She pledged her fealty to the cause without hesitation.
- 4. Breaking an oath of fealty often led to severe consequences.