homage : M-W's Word of the Day

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The Word of the Day for January 27 is:

homage \AH-mij\ noun
1 a : a feudal ceremony by which a man acknowledges himself the vassal of a lord b : the relationship between a feudal lord and his vassal c : an act done or payment made in meeting the obligations of vassalage
2 a : expression of high regard : respect *b : something that shows respect or attests to the worth or influence of another : tribute

Example sentence:
Elizabeth Catlett's 1968 sculpture of a woman with a defiantly raised fist is called "Homage to My Young Black Sisters," but it is a tribute to all womanhood.

Did you know?
The root of "homage" is "homo-," the Latin root meaning "man." In medieval times, a king's male subject could officially become the king's "man" by publicly announcing allegiance to the monarch in a formal ceremony. In that ritual, known as "homage," the subject knelt and placed his hands between those of his lord, symbolically surrendering himself and putting himself at the lord's disposal and under his jurisdiction. A bond was thus forged between the two; the vassal's part was to revere and serve his lord, and the lord's role was to protect the vassal and his family. Over time, "homage" was extended from the ceremony to the acts of duty and respect done for the lord, and eventually to any respectful act or tribute.

* Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.

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