Enfoeffment

/ɛnˈfɛfmənt/ noun

Definition

A legal act of investing someone with a fief or property; the ceremony or document that transfers land ownership.

Etymology

From Middle English and Old French 'enfeoffment,' derived from 'en-' plus 'fief' (feudal estate). Legal term that emerged in medieval feudal law to describe formal property transfer.

Kelly Says

In medieval times, enfoeffment was hugely important—just handing someone land wasn't enough; you needed witnesses and a formal ceremony to make it legally binding. King John eventually got tired of these rules and signed Magna Carta!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.