homage

[hom-ij, om-, oh-mahzh]

noun

1. respect or reverence paid or rendered.

   In his speech he paid homage to Washington and Jefferson.

   Synonyms: tribute, honor, obeisance, deference
   Antonyms: irreverence

2. the formal public acknowledgment by which a feudal tenant or vassal declared himself to be the man or vassal of his lord, owing him fealty and service.

3. the relation thus established of a vassal to his lord.

   Synonyms: devotion, loyalty, fidelity
   Antonyms: disloyalty

4. something done or given in acknowledgment or consideration of the worth of another.

   a Festschrift presented as an homage to a great teacher.

homage

/ ˈhɒmɪdʒ /

noun

1. a public show of respect or honour towards someone or something (esp in the phrases pay or do homage to )

2. 1. the act of respect and allegiance made by a vassal to his lord See also fealty

   2. something done in acknowledgment of vassalage

verb

1. archaic,  to render homage to

homage

1. Under feudalism, the personal submission of a vassal to a lord, by which the vassal pledged to serve the lord and the lord to protect the vassal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of homage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (h)omage, from Old French, equivalent to (h)ome “man” (from Latin hominem, accusative of homō; Homo ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of homage¹

C13: from Old French, from home man, from Latin homo

Example Sentences

Another country tradition is paying homage to the musicians and songwriters who inspired you.

From Salon

“The Roses” hits a few surreal moments, including in the finale scenes, which pay homage to DeVito’s film with a dinner-party argument and an escalation of violence between the couple.

From Los Angeles Times

Though she was delighted by this homage, her thoughts on the show surprised him.

From Los Angeles Times

Stylistic homages to Jeunet’s film are subtle and abundant throughout these eight episodes, particularly in scenes awash in the dreamy scenery and light unique to Perugia.

From Salon

For her, true homage requires collaboration, credit, and compensation — not just aesthetic borrowing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• allegiance 
• deference 
• loyalty 
• reverence 
• tribute