subfief, n.
(ˈsʌbfiːf)
[f. sub- 9 + fief n. Cf. F. sous-fief.]
A fief which is held of an intermediary instead of the original feoffor; spec. (now Hist.) in Germany, a minor state, holding of a more important state instead of directly of the German crown.
| 1845 S. Austin Ranke's Hist. Ref. III. 515 He consented that Duke Ulrich should take possession of Würtenberg as a sub-fief of Austria. 1901 Westm. Gaz. 31 Jan. 3/1 In the German Empire the title of ‘Lord’ is connected mostly with subfiefs such as Rügen. |
So subˈfief v. [cf. obs. F. soubsfiefver, Cotgr.] trans., to grant as a subfief.
| 1903 E. MacCulloch Guernsey Folk Lore 61 In process of time they [sc. lands] came to be sub-fieffed by their possessors. |