1. Definition
From the Middle Ages until well into the 19th century, homage was the formal act of recognition owed by vassals to their feudal lord (Feudalism) and by the estates of the realm and subjects to their territorial lord, hereditary lord, or judicial lord, in which they committed themselves to loyalty and obedience towards him. It took place through an oath (or pledge) by inferiors on the accession of a new overlord, at a change of rule due …