Definition

A type of land tenure in which a tenant holds land by paying rent or providing services to the landlord, rather than through military service or other obligations.

Example

In medieval times, many peasants worked under soccage agreements, paying rent in exchange for the use of land.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term soccage?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's an old term related to land tenure, but it's not commonly used anymore.

Interesting! I love learning about historical terms like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Soccage → It originates from Old French *soccage*, which refers to a type of feudal land tenure. The term is derived from the Latin *socagium*, meaning a payment or rent for land. Soccage describes a system where tenants paid rent in exchange for the use of land, rather than providing military service.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French term for a type of land tenure, where tenants paid 'rent' for land use — that's what soccage means.

Visually Confused Words