scutage (skyoo-tij), n. [fr. Latin scutum “a shield”] Hist. 1. A monetary payment levied by the king on barons as a substitute for some or all of the knights to be supplied to the king by each baron. • This payment seems to date from the 12th century, Henry II (1154–1189) having levied five scutages […]
frank ferm. Hist. An estate in land held in socage, the nature of the fee having been changed from knight’s service by enfeoffment for certain yearly services. — Also spelled frank-ferme.
fine for alienation. Hist. A fee paid by a tenant to the lord upon the alienation of a feudal estate and substitution of a new tenant. • It was payable by all tenants holding by knight’s service or tenants in capite by socage tenure. — Often shortened to fine.
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chivalry (shiv-[schwa]l-ree). Hist. Tenure held by knight-service; tenure in which a person held land in ex-change for military service of the highest order. See KNIGHT-SERVICE. “Chivalry is a tenure of land by knight’s service: for the better understanding whereof it is to be known, that there is no land but is held mediately or immediately