demesne
/dɪˈmeɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈmeɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈmān -ˈmēn/ (ame, mw)
demesne — noun
- demesnesingular
- demesnesplural
1. in medieval England, the part of a lord's estate that the lord farmed directly f
in medieval England, the part of a lord's estate that the lord farmed directly for personal profit, rather than letting tenants work it in exchange for rent or labour.
The villagers were required to plough the lord's demesne three days every week.
historical context: lord's demesne worked by villagers
Felix walked across the old demesne where his ancestors had once grown wheat for the manor.
Records from 1340 show that the abbey's demesne covered nearly four hundred acres of farmland.
Imani's history class studied how peasants worked the demesne in return for a small piece of their own land.
用法筆記
Almost exclusively appears in historical writing about medieval feudal England. Often paired with possessor (the lord's, the abbey's, the king's).
2. a large piece of land, usually in the countryside, that belongs to and is used b
a large piece of land, usually in the countryside, that belongs to and is used by one wealthy owner — typically including a grand house, gardens, woodland, and farmland.
The dukes had kept this Yorkshire demesne in the family for over four hundred years.
collocation: keep / retain a demesne in the family
Rania spent the summer painting the lakes and gardens of her grandmother's demesne in County Galway.
The new heir inherited a vast demesne of forests, farms, and a sixteenth-century stone hall.
Visitors may walk the marked footpaths but must not stray onto the private demesne beyond the lake.
用法筆記
Subject is usually a noble family, single wealthy heir, or institution. Distinguish from sense 1 by lack of explicit feudal framing — sense 2 is about modern or recent private ownership of country land.
3. a particular activity, place, or subject that one person treats as their own are
a particular activity, place, or subject that one person treats as their own area to run or decide about — usually said with a touch of humour or irony.
The hospital kitchen was firmly Christopher's demesne, and no one moved a single pot without asking.
metaphorical: someone's demesne = area they control
Marketing is the manager's demesne; the rest of the team should not change the slogan without her approval.
Ilan treated the school newspaper as his private demesne and decided every headline himself.
Wedding planning quickly became the bride's mother's demesne, and the couple gave up arguing about flowers.
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly ironic or amused tone — the speaker notes that one person guards the area as if it were their personal property. Usually possessive: someone's demesne.
4. a broad stretch of country, often described in literary writing — emphasising sc
a broad stretch of country, often described in literary writing — emphasising scale and atmosphere rather than legal ownership.
The poem describes the wild northern demesne of moors, lakes, and dark forests stretching toward the sea.
literary context: wild / vast demesne of [landscape]
Sana hiked for three days through a frozen demesne of pine trees and silent mountain passes.
The travellers crossed a sunlit demesne of olive groves before reaching the coastal villages.
Bao described Patagonia as a vast demesne of glaciers, sharp peaks, and rivers carrying ice toward the sea.
用法筆記
Almost only found in literary or travel prose. Distinguish from sense 2 by lack of an owner — sense 4 just names a large landscape, not someone's property.