Tenure

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The act or right of holding, as property, especially real estate. That the tenure of estates might rest on equity, the Indian title to lands was in all cases to be quieted. Bancroft.

2. The manner of holding lands and tenements of a superior.

3. The consideration, condition, or service which the occupier of land gives to his lord or superior for the use of his land.

4. Manner of holding, in general; as, in absolute governments, men hold their rights by a precarious tenure. All that seems thine own, Held by the tenure of his will alone. Cowper. Tenure by fee alms. (Law) See Frankalmoigne.