Definition of the word easement

The term "easement" originated in the English legal system during the medieval period. At that time, the concept was called a "waywaste," which referred to a right to pass through another person's land for a specific purpose, such as to access a river or a lane. The term "easement" emerged in the 16th century as a more specific designation for this legal right, derived from the Old French word "aisance," meaning "convenience" or "comfort." This reflects the fact that an easement is a legal arrangement that allows for less intrusive forms of land use than outright ownership, in order to provide convenience for the easement holder. In legal theory, an easement is a type of non-possessory interest in land, distinct from ownership, which grants a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose. This usage right, perpetuated through recorded documentation, provides legal protection for the holder's rightful access to and use of a particular property or feature as outlined in the granted easement.