Fealty

noun/ˈfiː.əlti/politics

Definition

A feudal tenant's or vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English feaute, feute, from Anglo-Norman fëauté, fëuté, from Latin fidēlitās (“faithfulness”; “homage, fealty” in Medieval Latin), from fidēlis (“faithful”) +‎ -tās (noun suffix); the modern form (for expected *feauty /ˈfjuːti/) is due to learned influence. Equivalent to obsolete feal +‎ -ty. Doublet of fidelity.

Synonyms

fidelity, allegiance, faithfulness

In a sentence

He demanded fealty from his direct reports, not just competence.