Loan oath
Fundamental to the feudal system was the so-called feudal oath , also known as the oath of homage . It had to be discarded by the feudal ( vassal ) and by the liege lord .
The feudal oath is usually made using traditional forms, it includes the promise of loyalty to the Lord and the acceptance of the consequences of breach of loyalty, but on the other hand also the promise of loyalty and protection of the Lord towards his liege.
In the late Middle Ages , enfeoffment and oath of allegiance are consistently confirmed by an issued document, and in modern times they are replaced. If the spatial distance between the two is very large, the feudal lord can name a representative before whom the feudal oath is to be taken.
The entire contract with the feudal oath is also referred to as a commendation .
literature
- Homagĭum . In: Universal Lexicon of the Present and Past . 4., reworked. and greatly increased edition, Volume 8: Hannover – Johannek , Eigenverlag, Altenburg 1859, p. 507 .
