manorial etymology

Etymology

The term "manorial" comes from the medieval Latin word "manerium," which in turn derives from the Old French word "manoir" and the Latin word "manere," meaning "to remain" or "to abide."

Meaning

The term "manorial" refers to a system of land tenure and social organization that was prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages. It is characterized by the following features:

  • Lordship: The manor was ruled by a lord (or seigneur), who owned the land and held authority over the peasants who worked it.
  • Peasantry: The manor was populated by peasants (or villeins), who were bound to the land and owed various obligations to the lord.
  • Demesne: The demesne was the portion of the manor's land that was farmed directly by the lord.
  • Common lands: The manor also included common lands, such as forests, pastures, and meadows, which were shared by the peasants.
  • Manorial court: The lord held a manorial court to administer justice and enforce his authority.

Origin

The manorial system originated during the early Middle Ages in Europe, as a way of organizing agricultural production and maintaining social order. It developed out of the need for protection and security in a period of political instability.

The manorial system reached its height during the 11th and 12th centuries, but it began to decline in the late 13th and 14th centuries due to economic and social changes. The rise of towns and the spread of money economy led to a gradual erosion of the peasant's obligations to the lord.

In some parts of Europe, the manorial system persisted in some form until the 19th century. However, it has largely been replaced by modern systems of landownership and agriculture.

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