Quadrivium The four sciences, i.e. arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music, which made up the higher division of study in the Middle Ages. *Source: A Dictionary… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Quadrivium
Privy Council The body of advisers appointed to advise the monarch. It wasan offshoot of the *curia regis composed of the king’s tenants-in-chief, house-hold officials,… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Privy Council
Afforestation The conversion into a designated forest with the legal trap-pings attaching thereto which circumscribed or forbade hunting by any butthe lord. The Normans were… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Afforestation
Dreng – Term for a lord of a small *manor, who was free except for someduties of military service; it was used primarily in Northumbria.… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Dreng
Chancellor The officer of the royal household who serves as the monarch’s secretary or notary. The chancellor is responsible for the Chancery, the arms of… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Chancellor
Escheat [es-cheet] 1) The right of a feudal lord to the return of lands held by his vassal, or the holding of a serf, should… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Escheat
Vavasour [vav-uh-sawr, -sohr] : a feudal tenant ranking directly below a baron *see the Regestum of Phillip II Augustus for use of the term *also, the… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Vavasour
Bequest [bih-kwest] 1. a disposition in a will. 2. a legacy: A small bequest allowed her to live independently. From the Sale & Transfer of… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Bequest
Jongleur [jong-gler] (in medieval France and Norman England) an itinerant minstrel or entertainer who sang songs, often of his own composition, and told stories. From… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Jongleur
Naifty The state of being born in bondage or serfdom. (Bennett, H.S. Life on the English Manor: A Study of Peasant Conditions, 1150-1400, 338) From… Read More »Medieval History Term of the Week: Naifty