SERGEANTRY Meaning and
Definition
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Sergeantry is a term used to denote a position or status in medieval society. Derived from the Latin word "servientia," meaning service or servitude, sergeantry referred to a rank within the feudal system.
In medieval Europe, sergentry was a middle-tier social position, lower than the nobility but higher than the common peasantry. Those who held this status were known as "sergeants" and were typically granted land by a lord or noble in exchange for performing military or non-military services. These services could include serving as a soldier, performing manual labor, or fulfilling administrative duties.
As part of their obligations, sergeants were required to provide the lord with a set number of days of labor or military service each year. In return, they received certain privileges and protections, such as the right to farm the land they were granted.
Sergeantry was often hereditary, meaning that the title and accompanying obligations were passed down from one generation to another within a particular family. However, it was also possible for individuals to enter the ranks of sergeantry through outstanding service or through a grant of land from the lord.
Overall, sergeantry played a crucial role in the feudal system, providing a buffer between the noble class and the peasantry. It served as a means of organizing labor and military service while simultaneously ensuring the protection and sustenance of the lower classes.
Common Misspellings for SERGEANTRY
- sergeanty
- aergeantry
- zergeantry
- xergeantry
- dergeantry
- eergeantry
- wergeantry
- swrgeantry
- ssrgeantry
- sdrgeantry
- srrgeantry
- s4rgeantry
- s3rgeantry
- seegeantry
- sedgeantry
- sefgeantry
- setgeantry
- se5geantry
- se4geantry
- serfeantry
Etymology of SERGEANTRY
The word "sergeantry" has its roots in the Middle English term "sergeantrie", which came from the Old French word "sergenterie". In turn, "sergenterie" was derived from the Latin word "servientarius", which meant "sergeant". A sergeant in medieval times referred to a servant, retainer, or attendant who performed various duties for a lord or nobleman. Over time, the term "sergeantry" evolved to specifically refer to a body of retainers or estate workers who were subject to military service.
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