What was an under tenant in Norman England?

An under tenant in Norman England was a person who held land from a tenant-in-chief, who in turn held it from the king. Under tenants owed fealty and homage to their immediate lord, and also to the king. They were responsible for providing military service and other feudal dues to their lord, and also for paying rent and other customary payments. Under tenants could be either knights or peasants, and their status could vary depending on the terms of their tenure.