1. Plural of feudatory; persons who hold land from a feudal lord in exchange for homage and service.
Usage: historical; chiefly used in historical or academic contexts
2. States or territories that are dependent on or subordinate to a more powerful state.
Usage: historical; political

Examples

• The feudatories of the medieval kingdom owed their lord both military service and annual taxes.
• Many feudatories rebelled against the king's new demands for increased tribute.
• The empire maintained control over its feudatories through a system of mutual obligations.
• As feudatories, these smaller principalities had limited autonomy in foreign affairs.
• The feudatories paid homage to the crown in elaborate ceremonies held at the royal court.
• During the decline of feudalism, feudatories gradually gained more independence from their overlords.