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fiefdom

[ feef-duhm ]

noun

  1. the estate or domain of a feudal lord.
  2. Informal. anything, as an organization or real estate, owned or controlled by one dominant person or group.


fiefdom

/ ˈfiːfdəm /

noun

  1. (in feudal Europe) the property owned by a lord
  2. an area over which a person or organization exerts authority or influence
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of fiefdom1

First recorded in 1805–15; fief + -dom
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Example Sentences

He is also clearly unqualified, Goldman said, a troubling fact that points to why he was chosen — to “get revenge on generals” and turn the state into his “own personal fiefdom.”

From Salon

Far from a well-oiled machine, the kitchen is a zone of dysfunction rife with petty squabbles and minor fiefdoms; it feels like a minor miracle that anything gets served to anyone at all.

He likened Ambriz’s job to that of a coxswain in crew, getting multiple participants, with their own “fiefdoms and lease lines,” rowing in the same direction.

At Harrods, his personal fiefdom, he created an intimidating atmosphere where a phalanx of bodyguards protected him around the clock and where surveillance equipment was installed in backroom offices.

From BBC

Sentencing, judge Patrick Lynch KC said McLaughlin abused the trust of his congregation and regarded the parish "as if it was a personal fiefdom".

From BBC

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