feudalism
|feu-da-lism|
/ˈfjuːdəˌlɪzəm/
medieval land system
Etymology
'feudalism' originates from the Latin word 'feodum,' meaning 'fief,' combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a system or practice.
'feodum' transformed into the Old French word 'feodal,' and eventually became the modern English word 'feudalism' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'a system of land ownership and duties,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a social system prevalent in medieval Europe, where land was held by lords who allowed peasants to work it in exchange for military service and other duties.
Feudalism was the dominant social system in medieval Europe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/07/16 00:45