serjeanty
/ˈsɑrdʒənti/
noun
- A form of land tenure in medieval England where the holder performed a specific service for the king, such as carrying a sword or serving as a butler.
- Serjeanty was a common way to reward loyal service in feudal times.
- The knight held his land by serjeanty, requiring him to serve as the king's cupbearer.
- The historian explained how serjeanty differed from knight service.