Plural of fealty; sworn promises of loyalty and service, especially in feudal relationships between lords and vassals.
From Old French 'feaulte,' from Latin 'fidelitas.' The word entered English during the Norman Conquest period and became central to feudal governance, describing the binding oath a vassal made to a lord.
Medieval castles were literally built on fealties—the entire feudal pyramid depended on these sworn loyalties, which is why breaking one's fealty could lead to execution, making it the most serious promise you could make in medieval society.
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