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Simple English definitions for legal terms
petit serjeanty
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A quick definition of petit serjeanty:
Petit serjeanty is a type of feudal land ownership where the owner has to do a small task for the king, like giving him an arrow or an unstrung bow. It's not always military, and even people like bakers and cooks could own land this way. It's different from grand serjeanty, which requires a bigger service related to the country's defense, like fielding an army or providing a fully equipped knight.
A more thorough explanation:
Petit serjeanty is a type of feudal lay tenure that requires a small form of personal service to the king. This service is usually of military symbolism and of small value. Examples of petit serjeanty include presenting an arrow or an unstrung bow to the king.
Many household officers of the Crown, such as bakers and cooks, held lands in serjeanty. They were required to perform a minor service, like presenting an arrow, to the king in exchange for their land.
Another example of petit serjeanty is carrying the king's banner or serving as an officer at the coronation. These services were ceremonial or honorary and did not require military action.
Overall, petit serjeanty was a way for the king to ensure loyalty and service from his subjects, even those who were not knights or soldiers.