Typically used as an expression of high regard today, the word “homage” in medieval times referred to a ritual where “a king's male subject could officially become the king's man” through a ceremony of publicly announcing allegiance to the monarch. In exchange for the service he received, the king was supposed to protect the king man and his family. 

Origin: First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English (h)omage, from Old French, from medieval Latin hominaticum, "pertaining to a man."