Relief
Pronunciation: [ri-leef]
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English relef, relief, from Anglo-French from relever to relieve
1) The fee paid by the heir of a deceased person on securing possession of a fief. Tradition determines the amount demanded.
2) A fine paid by the heir of a vassal to the lord for the privilege of succeeding to an estate.
(Gies, […]
Bernard Cornwell’s new historical fiction novel Azincourt is expected to be released this October (2008) in the UK. The US version will not come out until January of 2009 most likely. The novel will be a stand-alone, not a series, and will obviously cover the events surrounding the famous Battle of Agincourt in October of 1415. […]
Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman
Product Details:
Paperback - 720 pages
Publisher - Ballantine Books (1993)
Average Customer Review on Amazon - 5 stars
Novel Description:
Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England’s ruthless, power-hungry King John. Then Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce with England by marrying the English king’s beloved, illegitimate daughter, Joanna. Reluctant […]
I almost exclusively stick to medieval history when posting on my site, but I’m curious about the new movie 10,000 B.C. The story follows the life of young hunter whose love interest is taken captive, and then he sets out with a small group to pursue the captors and save her. The movie premiered this […]
Retinue
Pronunciation: [ret-n-oo, -yoo]
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English retenue, from Anglo-French, from feminine of retenu, past participle of retenir to retain
a) small troop of fighting men of all types raised on the estate of a knight
b) body of persons “retained” in the service of a noble or royal personage