Mesne lords, also known as intermediate lords, refer to those individuals who occupy a feudal position in between the king and the tenant-in-chief. As a result, they have varying levels of jurisdiction over the land and its inhabitants. In modern times, some synonyms for mesne lords include feudal lords, middle lords, and interceding lords.
These synonyms reflect the position of mesne lords as intermediaries or mediators between the higher and lower levels of a feudal society. While they have certain responsibilities and privileges, their power is often limited by the laws and customs of the time.
By understanding the various synonyms for mesne lords, it becomes clearer how they fit into the larger context of feudalism and the hierarchy of power that existed in medieval Europe.