De-mēsne', n.

(-meen') (Synop., § 130), n. [O. Eng. de-mayne, demeine, demeyn, demesne, O. Fr. demaine, demaygne, demeine, demeigne, demesne, demenie, demoine, domaine, now only domaine, from Lat. dominium, properly, right of ownership, from dominus, master of the house, proprietor, owner, from domus, a house; Pr. domaine, Sp., Pg., & It. dominio.] (Law.) The chief manor-place, with that part of the lands belonging thereto which has not been granted out in tenancy, but the possession of which has been retained by the lord in his own manual occupation, or under his control for his own use, for the supply of his table and the maintenance of his family. [Written also demain.] Wharton. Burrill.