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Simple English definitions for legal terms
sacramentum fidelitatis
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A quick definition of sacramentum fidelitatis:
Term: SACRAMENTUM FIDELITATIS
Definition: The sacramentum fidelitatis was an oath of loyalty given by a vassal to their lord in the past.
A more thorough explanation:
sacramentum fidelitatis (sak-rə-men-təm fi-del-ə-tay-tis). [Law Latin] Hist. The oath of fidelity, given by a vassal to a lord.
During the medieval period, a vassal would swear the sacramentum fidelitatis to their lord, pledging their loyalty and obedience in exchange for protection and land.
For example, a knight might swear the sacramentum fidelitatis to their lord, promising to serve and defend them in battle.
Another example would be a serf swearing the sacramentum fidelitatis to their lord, agreeing to work the land and pay taxes in exchange for the lord's protection.
These examples illustrate how the sacramentum fidelitatis was a crucial part of the feudal system, establishing a bond of loyalty and obligation between vassals and lords.