Demesne

usgb/dɪˈmeɪn/
noun

Land that a lord or a lady owns and controls directly, not given to vassals.

The knight bowed before the lord, pledging to protect the lord's demesne.
Visual representation of "demesne" - Land that a lord or a lady owns and controls directly, not given to vassals.

Often appears as...

  • royal demesne
  • demesne lands

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "demesne"
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Historical Usage

Used to discuss historical estates, adds an old-fashioned tone to the language.

Illustration for Historical Usage
The bard sang tales of the vast demesne owned by the noble.
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Literary Context

Often appears in literature to describe medieval or feudal land holdings.

Illustration for Literary Context
Her inheritance included a small demesne on the outskirts of the kingdom.
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Not for Vassals

Specifies land a lord keeps for personal use, rather than land granted to others.

Illustration for Not for Vassals
A portion of the harvest from the lord's demesne was stored for the winter.
Visual representation of the word "Demesne"

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