Liege

(leej), a. [O. Fr. lige, Pr. litge, It. ligio, L. Lat. ligius, legius, perhaps from Lat. ligare, to bind; but more probably from N. H. Ger. ledig, free from bonds and obstacles, M. H. Ger. ledec, ledic, lidig, freed, loosed. Charta Ottonis de Benthem, ann. 1253, “ligius homo quod Teutonicè dicitur ledig-man,” i. e., uni soli homagio obligatus, free from all obligations to others.] 1. Bound by a feudal tenure; obliged to be faithful and loyal to a superior, as a vassal to his lord; subject; faithful; as, a liege man. ☞ By liege homage, a vassal was bound to serve his lord against all, without excepting his sovereign; or against all excepting a former lord, to whom he owed like service. 2. Enforcing allegiance; sovereign; as, a liege lord. The anointed sovereign of sighs and groans, Liege of all loiterers and malcontents. Shak.