adjective
feudal
FYOO-dul/ˈfjuːdl/
Relating to a system in which land is held in exchange for loyalty and service to a lord.
Under the feudal system, tenants hold land in return for service.
Etymology
A feudum was land granted by a superior in return for service. Feudal therefore describes a system organized around such conditional landholding and the obligations between lords and those holding their land.
In context
She administered his estates, negotiated feudal obligations with overlords, and handled disputes with tenants.
More examples
- Feudal obligations often included military service to a lord.
- The king rewarded his supporters with land under feudal arrangements.
- Our class studies the rights and duties of feudal lords.
Forms
feudal
feudalism noun — System exchanging landholding rights for loyalty and service.
Similar words
- manorial
- Concerns a manor's organization, especially relations between lords and peasants.