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.
Ancient demesne. Eng.Law See under Ancient.
© Webster 1913.