'Ancient demesne' definitions:

Definition of 'Ancient demesne'

From: GCIDE
  • Demesne \De*mesne"\, n. [OE. demeine, demain, rule, demesne, OF. demeine, demaine, demeigne, domaine, power, F. domaine domain, fr. L. dominium property, right of ownership, fr. dominus master, proprietor, owner. See Dame, and cf. Demain, Domain, Danger, Dungeon.] (Law) A lord's chief manor place, with that part of the lands belonging thereto which has not been granted out in tenancy; a house, and the land adjoining, kept for the proprietor's own use. [Written also demain.] --Wharton's Law Dict. Burrill. [1913 Webster]
  • Ancient demesne. (Eng. Law) See under Ancient. [1913 Webster]