A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Seigniory refers to the rights and powers of a lord, particularly the retained right of a grantor to have the grantee perform services in exchange for the transfer of land. It can also refer to a lord's dominions, such as a feudal or manor lordship, especially land held subject to such a retained right in the grantor.

• A lord who grants land to a vassal may retain the seigniory, or the right to demand certain services or payments from the vassal in exchange for the land.
• In medieval Europe, seigniories were often granted to nobles or knights who pledged loyalty and military service to their lord.
• Seigniory in gross refers to a type of manor where the lord has no tenants or vassals, but still retains certain rights over the land.

These examples illustrate how seigniory refers to the rights and powers of a lord over land and the people who live on it. It was a common feature of feudal societies, where lords held significant power and authority over their subjects.