Literary notes about cede (AI summary)
In literature, “cede” is used to capture the decisive act of relinquishing something valuable—be it territory, honor, or power—often within the framework of treaties, contracts, or battles for supremacy. Authors recount scenarios in which lands are formally surrendered through diplomatic agreements, such as a nation legally obligated to cede a region to another [1, 2]. At the same time, the term also appears in more intimate or symbolic settings, where an individual or entity yields a position of privilege or authority, capturing the nuanced balance between resistance and concession [3, 4]. This duality in usage underscores both the weight of formal territorial loss and the subtler dynamics of personal or institutional submission, as seen when rights or claims are relinquished under pressure or through negotiation [5, 6].
- Taiwan In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan.
— from The 2006 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency - In 1608 he was obliged to cede Hungary, and in 1611 Bohemia and Austria, to his brother Matthias.
— from The Circle of Knowledge: A Classified, Simplified, Visualized Book of Answers - It was stipulated that the French should be considered as auxiliaries, and always cede the post of honor to the Americans.
— from The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 2 (of 2) or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence by Benson John Lossing - Thenceforth she must cede her rights to the universal mother, who shall replace her—Nature.
— from The Insect by Jules Michelet - By the terms of the treaty you are bound to cede Burgundy to me.
— from The Constable De Bourbon by William Harrison Ainsworth - The Cherokees cede all claim to land south and west of the above line.
— from The Cherokee Nation of Indians. (1887 N 05 / 1883-1884 (pages 121-378)) by Charles C. Royce
