I. ˈ(h)ämij, -mēj noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English omage, homage, from Old French omage, hommage, from om, omme, homme man, vassal (from Latin homin-, homo man) + -age; akin to Old English guma man, Old High German gomo, Old Norse gumi, Gothic guma man, Old Prussian smoy human being, Tocharian B śaumo human being, Latin humus earth — more at humble
1.
a. : a feudal solemn public ceremony by which in return for a fief (as a tenancy of land) a man acknowledges himself the man or vassal of a lord and recognizes the rights and duties inherent in this relationship — compare commendation 4, fealty 1, liege
b. : the relationship between a feudal lord and his man
c. : an act done or payment made in meeting the obligations of vassalage
2. : a body of persons bound under feudal law by homage ; specifically : the body of tenants attending a manorial court or those acting as jury
3.
a. : a reverential regard : respect , deference
the homage that matter pays to spirit — Clive Bell
especially : respect shown by external action : obeisance
then the homage of … peers; and again the air was lively with the trumpets and drums — Hector Bolitho
b. : flattering attention : tribute
turned to look at the young woman … and permitted himself the homage of a smile — Guy McCrone
the present pamphlet is a modest … homage to one of the leading linguists of our times — André Martinet
Synonyms: see honor
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French hommager, from hommage
: to pay homage to