Skip to main content
appanage

appanage

9.9
A right or thing that people of a high rank have by tradition
  • noun
  • /ˈæpəˌneɪdʒ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : apanage
  • The prince received his appanage upon reaching adulthood.

Examples

  • A grand office became a necessary appanage for people of power and influence.

  • Education was seen as an appanage of the upper class in that era.

  • For centuries, hunting grounds were considered an appanage of the nobility.

  • An appanage can provide a noble family with financial stability.

  • The prince received an annual sum as an appanage to support his lifestyle and duties.

  • Historically, younger sons of the king were often given an appanage to ensure their financial independence.

  • The duke's estate included a quaint cottage that served as an appanage reflecting his noble heritage.

Synonyms

privilege
vsappanage
444 3.7

A special right or advantage for certain people

is limited to rights tied to rank tradition or inheritance
apanage
vsappanage
  • Formal
9.9

A special right or benefit reserved for a certain rank

is the same concept but uses an alternate historic spelling

Antonyms

Stopping someone from inheriting money or property from a will

How Substantial

estate
553 4.2
endowment
  • Formal
67 6.5
appanage
  • Archaic
9.9
privilege
444 3.7

Surface Forms

appanage singular
appanages plural

Etymology

Appanage comes from a root that means 'bread' (panis) and is related to companion ('with bread'). It began as the 'bread' or support given to someone of rank, so an appanage became a usual right or possession tied to a person's status.