seignorial
|seign-or-i-al|
🇺🇸
/seɪnˈjɔr.i.əl/
🇬🇧
/seɪnˈjɔːr.i.əl/
relating to a lord
Etymology
'seignorial' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'seigneur' (also spelled 'seignor'), where 'seigneur' meant 'lord' (ultimately from Latin 'senior' meaning 'older').
'seignorial' changed from Middle English/Anglo-Norman forms such as 'seignorial' or 'seignourial', derived from Old French 'seigneur', and eventually became the modern English word 'seignorial'.
Initially, it meant 'of or belonging to a seigneur (feudal lord)'; over time it has largely retained that sense and also broadened to describe 'lordly' or 'stately' qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to a seignior or seigneur; pertaining to the rights, duties, or possessions of a feudal lord (manorial).
The seignorial courts dealt with disputes among the tenants on the estate.
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Adjective 2
characteristic of a lord; lordly, stately, or bearing the qualities associated with aristocratic authority.
He moved with a seignorial bearing that marked him as aristocratic.
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Last updated: 2025/08/27 09:17