Liege

A term of the feudal law ■which is differently explained. Upon the whole, it seems probable that it was originally used as a noun, with the meaning of a bond or tie. Then it came to be used as an adjective, signifying bound, united by the reciprocal tie of allegiance, in the expressions liege lord, the sovereign or lord paramount, who was bound by the feudal relation to protect the vassal; and liege man, who was reciprocally bound for obedience and service. At last, by elision of " lord " and "man " from these phrases, it again came to be used as a noun; meaning either a sovereign or a subject, a lord or a vassal, according to context and circumstances. My liege is said to have been a usual expression in addressing the sovereign. The king's lieges was a term equivalent to subjects. Liege, in old records, signifies full, absolute, perfect, pure. Liege widowhood was pure widowhood. Cowef. Liege is a word borrowed from the feudists, and hath two significations in the common law; sometimes being used for liege lord, by which is meant the king, who acknowledgeth no superior, and to whom allegiance is due. Sometimes it is used for liege man, who is one that oweth allegiance to his liege lord. (Skene; Cowel; 1 Bl. Com. 367; 2 Steph. Com. 400.) Moz Uy ^ W.

Liege homage

Homage which, when performed by one sovereign prince to another, included fealty and services, as opposed to simple homage, which was a mere acknowledgment of tenure. (1 Bl. Com. 367; 2 Steph. Com. 400.) Mozley ^ W. Liege poustie. A Scotch law term, derived from the Latin legitima potestas, and meaning a state of health implying a lawdispositions being formerly void by the law of Scotland.

Bell.