apanages
|a-pan-ages|
🇺🇸
/ˈæpənɪdʒɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈæpənɑːʒɪz/
(apanage)
exclusive grant or privilege
Etymology
'apanage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'apanage', probably via Medieval Latin 'apanaticum', where elements are related to Latin 'ad-' (meaning 'to, toward') and 'panis' (meaning 'bread'), implying a provision or maintenance grant.
'apanage' changed from Medieval Latin 'apanaticum' into Old French 'apanage' and eventually became the modern English word 'apanage'.
Initially it meant a provision (literally a 'bread' allowance) for younger royal family members; over time it evolved to mean a grant of land or income and then more generally a 'privilege' or perquisite.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'apanage'.
Apanages were often given to younger princes to secure their livelihood.
Noun 2
lands, revenues, or allowances granted by a sovereign to a younger child (especially of a royal family) for maintenance.
Historically, apanages kept younger members of the royal family financially independent from the crown.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a privilege, perquisite, or exclusive right attached to a position or office.
In modern commentary, such benefits are sometimes called the apanages of high office.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/14 13:05