Definition of: demesne

(di·mān′, -mēn′) noun
1. In feudal law, lands held in one's own power, as distinguished from feudal lands which were held (by permission) of a superior.
2. A manor house and the adjoining lands in the immediate use and occupation of the owner of an estate.
3. The grounds appertaining to any residence, or any landed estate.
4. Any region over which sovereignty is exercised; domain. Also de·main, de·maine (di·mān′). [<AF demeyne, OF demeine, demaine. Doublet of DOMAIN.]