enfeoff

[ en-fef, -feef ]
/ ɛnˈfɛf, -ˈfif /

verb (used with object)

to invest with a freehold estate in land.
to give as a fief.

Origin of enfeoff

1350–1400; Middle English enfe(o)ffen < Anglo-French enfe(o)ffer, equivalent to en- en-1 + Old French fiefer, fiever, derivative of fief fief

OTHER WORDS FROM enfeoff

en·feoff·ment, noun

Words nearby enfeoff

enface, enfant perdu, enfant sauvage, enfant terrible, enfeeble, enfeoff, enfetter, enfever, enfield, enfield rifle, enfilade

British Dictionary definitions for enfeoffment

enfeoff
/ (ɪnˈfiːf) /

verb (tr)

property law to invest (a person) with possession of a freehold estate in land
(in feudal society) to take (someone) into vassalage by giving a fee or fief in return for certain services

Derived forms of enfeoff

enfeoffment, noun

Word Origin for enfeoff

C14: from Anglo-French enfeoffer; see fief