The Probert Encyclopaedia of General Information

HOMAGE

In feudal law, homage was a formal acknowledgment made by a feudal tenant to and in presence of his lord on receiving the investiture of a fief or coming to it by succession, that he was his vassal. The tenant, being ungirt and uncovered, kneeled and held up both his hands between those of the lord, who sat before.him, and there professed that 'he did become his man, from that day forth, of life and limb, and earthly honour,' and then received a kiss from his lord.
Research Homage