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, Joseph and Francis. Life in a Medieval Castle, 231)
3) Payment due to a manorial lord upon inheritance.
(Bennett, Judith M. Women in the Medieval English Countryside, 234)
4) Payment to king or feudal lord on succession to property.
(Sayles, George O. The King’s Parliament of England, 145)