alodium

noun

alo·​di·​um

variants or allodium

əˈlōdēəm,

aˈ-

plural -s

1

: a form of estate among 11th century Anglo-Saxons in which absolute possession and control were vested in the holder

—opposed to feodum

2

usually allodium : land that is the absolute property of the owner : real estate held in absolute independence without being subject to any rent, service, or acknowledgment to a superior

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Old High German (Franconian) alōd, from al all + -ōd property (akin to Old English ēad property, Old Saxon ōd, Old High German ōtac rich, Old Norse authr property, Gothic audags blessed)

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!