signory

From Middle English seignurie, from Anglo-Norman seignurie, Middle French signeurie, signerie et al., later influenced by Italian signoria. Compare seigniory.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈsiːnjəɹi/

signory (plural signories)

1. (now rare) A territory or domain, especially under a feudal lordship.
   • 1644, John Milton, Areopagitica; a Speech of Mr. John Milton for the Liberty of Unlicenc’d Printing, to the Parlament of England, London: [s.n.], →OCLC, page 3:

     Such honour was done in thoſe dayes to men who profeſt the ſtudy of wiſdome and eloquence, not only in their own Country, but in other Lands, that Cities and Siniories heard them gladly, and with great reſpect, if they had ought in publick to admoniſh the State.

2. Overlordship, dominion.
3. (now historical) A ruling assembly, specifically of various Italian republics; a signoria.