Sokeman meaning

A sokeman was a free peasant who held land directly from a lord in medieval England.


Sokeman definitions

Word backwards namekos
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division so-ke-man
Plural The plural of the word "sokeman" is "sokemen."
Total letters 7
Vogais (3) o,e,a
Consonants (4) s,k,m,n

What is a Sokeman?

Sokeman was a term used in medieval England to refer to a free peasant who held land by socage, a form of feudal land-tenure. Socage was a type of land-holding that was not subject to the military service required under the feudal system. Instead, sokemen were required to provide services to their lord, such as agricultural work, instead of serving in battle.

Role of Sokemen

In addition to their agricultural duties, sokemen also had certain privileges compared to serfs or villeins. They had more freedom and autonomy in managing their land and were able to pass it on to their heirs. Sokemen were considered to be of higher status than serfs but lower than knights or nobles in the medieval social hierarchy.

Relationship with the Lord

Sokemen had a direct relationship with their lord, who granted them the land in exchange for services. This relationship was usually outlined in a written agreement, known as a deed of socage. The sokeman was bound to the lord by custom and law, but they were not considered his property like serfs were.

Decline of Sokeman

As the feudal system evolved, the importance of sokemen declined. The rise of a money-based economy and the changing dynamics of land ownership led to the decline of socage tenure. Sokemen either became tenants or eventually merged into the larger class of yeomen farmers.

Legacy of Sokeman

Although the term sokeman is no longer in use, the concept of socage and the role of sokemen in medieval society have left a lasting impact on the history of land tenure and feudalism. The sokemen played a crucial role in the agricultural economy of medieval England and their contributions should not be forgotten.


Sokeman Examples

  1. The sokeman was responsible for collecting taxes in medieval England.
  2. As a sokeman, he had the right to hold land and pass it on to his heirs.
  3. The sokeman's duties included maintaining the roads in the village.
  4. The sokeman lived in a small cottage on the outskirts of town.
  5. The sokeman served as a mediator in disputes between villagers.
  6. The sokeman was known for his fairness and impartiality.
  7. The sokeman's role in the community was crucial for its functioning.
  8. Sokemen were highly respected members of society in medieval England.
  9. The sokeman's authority extended over a specific area of land.
  10. The sokeman was loyal to his lord and carried out his duties diligently.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 18/06/2024 - 16:03:18