feudal system

[fyood-l sis-tuhm]

noun

1. the political, military, and social system in medieval Europe, based on the holding of lands in fief or fee and on the resulting relations between lord and vassal.

2. a system of political, economic, and social organization similar to the system in the Middle Ages.

   The emancipation of the serfs in 1861 under Alexander II signaled the end of the feudal system in Russia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of feudal system¹

First recorded in 1770–80

When To Use

What is a feudal system?

A feudal system (also known as feudalism) is a type of social and political system in which landholders provide land to tenants in exchange for their loyalty and service.Feudalism prevailed in the Middle Ages in Europe and Japan and generally involved a lord (the landowner) allowing vassals (tenants) to rent the land by providing services, especially military service. The parcel of land, called a fief, was typically worked by serfs, laborers who had very few rights and were bound to the land itself.The term feudal system is often used in a much more general way in political rhetoric to indicate an outdated, exploitative system of government. This usage may or may not actually refer to relationships that don't look anything like historical feudal systems.