DEMENSES Meaning and
Definition
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Demenses, also commonly spelled as demesnes, is a noun that refers to the lands or estates owned by a monarch, nobleman, or clergy during feudal times. The term is derived from the Old French word "demain," which means domain or estate. These demenses were typically vast agricultural or forested areas that provided sustenance and resources for the owner and their entourage.
In medieval Europe, demenses played a significant role in the feudal system. They were directly controlled by the lord or the ruling entity and were often worked by serfs or peasants who were bound to the land. The demenses were utilized for various purposes, including farming, hunting, and collecting natural resources like timber or minerals.
The demenses were carefully managed and organized by administrators or bailiffs appointed by the lord or nobleman. They oversaw the cultivation of crops, the rearing of livestock, and the maintenance of the estate. The surplus agricultural produce from the demenses supported the lord's household, as well as their soldiers and retainers.
Over time, as feudalism waned and societies modernized, the significance and extent of demenses diminished. Many demenses were gradually transformed into private estates or sold off. Today, the term demenses may also be used more broadly to refer to a person's domain or area of expertise.
Common Misspellings for DEMENSES
- demesnes
- demense
- demesens
- semenses
- xemenses
- cemenses
- femenses
- remenses
- eemenses
- dwmenses
- dsmenses
- ddmenses
- drmenses
- d4menses
- d3menses
- dekenses
- dejenses
- demwnses
- demsnses
- demdnses
Etymology of DEMENSES
The word "demenses" has its origin in the Latin term "Dominus", which means "lord" or "master". In medieval times, the lands belonging to a lord or master were referred to as "dominium", the plural of which is "dominia". Over time, the term evolved into "demains" in Old French and later into "demenses" in Middle English. In English, "demenses" refers to the lands or estates controlled by a feudal lord or monarch.
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