seise

Definition

An archaic legal term meaning to officially hand over ownership of land (a freehold estate) to someone, usually with pomp and circumstance befitting a transaction that literally takes longer to say aloud than to complete. Modern lawyers still use this just to sound important.

Example Usage

The king agreed to seise the manor to his eldest son upon his death, thus securing the family's wealth for generations.

Source: Medieval and property law terminology

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