The mode or system of holding lauds or tenements in subordination to some superior, which, in the feudal ages, was the leading characteristic of real property . Tenure is the direct result of feudalism, which separated the dominium directum , (the dominion of the soil,) which is placed mediately or immediately iu the crown, from the dominion utile, (the possessory title.) the right to the use and profits in tbe soil, designated by the term “seisin,” which is the highest interest a subject can acquire. Wharton. Wharton gives the following list of tenures which were ultimately developed:
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
