enfeoff

verb

en·​feoff in-ˈfef How to pronounce enfeoff (audio) -ˈfēf How to pronounce enfeoff (audio)
en-
enfeoffed; enfeoffing; enfeoffs

transitive verb

: to invest with a fief or fee
enfeoffment
in-ˈfef-mənt How to pronounce enfeoff (audio)
-ˈfēf-
en-
noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enfeoffen, from Anglo-French enfeffer, enfeoffer, from en- + fé, fief fief

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enfeoff was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

enfeebler
enfeoff
en fête
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enfeoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enfeoff. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

enfeoff

transitive verb
en·​feoff en-ˈfef, -ˈfēf How to pronounce enfeoff (audio)
: to invest (a person) with a freehold estate by feoffment
Etymology

Anglo-French enfeoffer, from Old French en-, causative prefix + fief fief

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