1. Plural of demesne: land retained and farmed by a feudal lord for his own use, rather than leased to tenants.
Usage: historical; chiefly British
2. Plural of demesne: a person's or organization's own territory or sphere of control.
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The medieval lord managed several demesnes across his vast holdings.
• The demesnes were worked by peasants who owed labor service to the lord.
• These demesnes produced grain and livestock for the lord's household.
• The king's demesnes were among the most productive lands in the kingdom.
• In the figurative sense, education remains within the demesnes of local government.
• The company expanded its demesnes into new markets.