Manor

ˈmænər

nounmediumCommonLiterature

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A large country house, especially one with extensive lands; the main house of a landed estate.

ˈmænər

nounneutralmedium
Literature

A large country house with lands.

The family inherited a beautiful manor in the countryside.

💡 Simply: Imagine a really big house with lots of land around it, like a fancy farm owned by someone important. Think of it as a royal house. Like a house from an old book.

👶 For kids: A big fancy house with a lot of land around it.

More Examples

2

The grounds of the manor included a vast garden and a private lake.

3

They restored the old manor, preserving its historical charm.

How It's Used

Historical

"The lord of the manor held considerable power over the surrounding peasantry."

Literary

"The grand manor house stood majestically on the hill, overlooking the estate."

2

In historical contexts, the land and property associated with a lord or lady, including the surrounding farmland.

ˈmænər

nounneutralAdvanced
General

The land belonging to a lord.

The boundaries of the manor were carefully defined.

💡 Simply: Picture a whole bunch of land (fields, woods, and all) that belongs to the big house (the manor).

👶 For kids: All the land that belongs to a fancy house.

More Examples

2

The villagers worked the land of the manor in exchange for protection.

3

During the Middle Ages, the manor was the primary unit of social organization in rural areas.

How It's Used

Historical

"The manor was once a self-sufficient community."

Tip:Picture the entire estate, including the house and all the fields under a single owner.

Idioms & expressions

lord of the manor

A person who owns a manor and has authority over the land and its inhabitants.

"The lord of the manor was known for his generosity and fairness."

From Old French manoir, from Latin manēre ('to remain, dwell'). Originally referred to the main house of an estate and the surrounding lands.

The term 'manor' was prevalent during the feudal period in Europe, referring to the main residence and land controlled by a lord.

Memory tip

Think of a majestic house with vast lands, a place of history and status.

manermanors

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written