Editing Manorialism (section)

=== The seigneur ===
[[File:Bachritterburg.jpg|thumb|Reconstruction of a medieval castle, Bachritterburg, Baden-Württemberg|260x260px]]

The possessor of a seigneurie bears the title of "[[Imperial, royal and noble ranks|Lord]]". He can be an individual, in the vast majority of cases a national of the [[nobility]] or of the [[Bourgeoisie]], but also a [[judicial person]] most often an ecclesiastical institution such as an [[abbey]], a [[cathedral]] or canonical chapter or a military order. The power of the lord was exercised through various intermediaries, the most important of which was the [[Bailiff (France)|bailiff]]. The sovereign can also be a lord; the seigneuries he owns form the royal domain.

The title of lord is also granted, especially in modern times, to individuals holding noble fiefdoms which are not for all that seigneuries. These "lords" are sometimes called sieurs, equivalent terms in medieval times.