† ˈfeedman Obs.
Also 5–6 feod(e)man.
[f. feed ppl. a. + man.]
a. One holding a fee (n.2); a vassal. b. A soldier serving for pay.
| c 1460 Fortescue Abs. & Lim. Mon. xvii, He shall haue than a greter myght..than he hath nowe off all his oþer ffeed men. 1465 Paston Lett. No. 532 II. 248 Doo warne owr ffeede men and servaunts..that they be ther thann in owr leverey. 1485 Plumpton Corr. p. xcvi, 38 Knyghts of his feedmen. 1555 Bradforth in Strype Eccl. Mem. III. App. xlv. 131 Lettres touching my Lord Pagette, that he shoulde be the Kinges feode man. 1565 Jewel Def. Apol. (1611) 476 The Emperour is a Vassall or a Feedman of the Church of Rome. 1722 Bp. Wilson in Keble Life xv. (1863) 484 With..intention of lessening the Governor's authority..over the Feedmen in the Garrisons. |