Manor

Manor, a district of ground held by great personages. The modern English manor derives its origin from subinfeudation, as it existed before the modifications of the system of tenures introduced by Magna Charta, and the still more important alterations made in the years 1290 and 1324, by which the granting land in fee simple, to be held by the grantee as tenant or vassal to the grantor, was in effect prohibited. A manor by reputation, however, but which has ceased to be a legal manor, may yet retain some of its privileges as a preserve for game, and the lord may still appoint a gamekeeper thereto. [Copyhold, Feudal System.]