feudalism

[ fyood-l-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the feudal system, or its principles and practices.

feudalism

/ ˈfjuːdəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. Also calledfeudal system the legal and social system that evolved in W Europe in the 8th and 9th centuries, in which vassals were protected and maintained by their lords, usually through the granting of fiefs, and were required to serve under them in war See also vassalage fief
2. any social system or society, such as medieval Japan or Ptolemaic Egypt, that resembles medieval European feudalism

feudalism

1. A system of obligations that bound lords and their subjects in Europe during much of the Middle Ages . In theory, the king owned all or most of the land and gave it to his leading nobles in return for their loyalty and military service. The nobles in turn held land that peasants , including serfs , were allowed to farm in return for the peasants' labor and a portion of their produce. Under feudalism, people were born with a permanent position in society. ( See fief and vassal .)

Notes

Today, the word feudal is sometimes used as a general term for a set of social relationships that seems unprogressive or out of step with modern society.

Derived Forms

• ˈfeudalist, noun
• ˌfeudalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• feudal·ist noun
• feudal·istic adjective
• anti·feudal·ism noun
• anti·feudal·ist noun
• anti·feudal·istic adjective
• pre·feudal·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of feudalism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; feudal ( def ) + -ism

Example Sentences

Let’s start with their explanation: The abstract ideas of liberty were excellent, they argued, but contradicted by “racial feudalism.”

From Salon

Trump appears happy with technological feudalism, vowing revenge against those who stand against him.

From Salon

So feudalism, check; environmental exploitation, check; colonialism, racism and the power of religion, check, check and check.

From Los Angeles Times

He has repeatedly claimed democracy has declined under Mr Widodo and pledged to be "consistent in keeping the country away from the practices of feudalism and nepotism".

From BBC

Individual rights would have to make room for states' rights; optimism for pessimism; a republic of consumers for an apartheid state; capitalism for feudalism.

From Salon

Related Words

• bondage
• captivity
• enslavement
• serfdom
• servitude
• subjugation