FEODAL Meaning and
Definition
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Feodal is an adjective that derives from the French term "féodal", meaning "feudal". It is primarily used to describe a social, political, and economic system that was prevalent in medieval Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. The feodal system was characterized by a hierarchical structure composed of lords, vassals, and serfs, in which land and power were distributed and exchanged through a system of feudal obligations and ties.
Within this system, lords held authority and dominion over land, granting portions of it to vassals, who pledged loyalty and military service in return. These vassals also had the right to sublet parts of their land to lesser landholders or serfs, who were obligated to provide agricultural labor and other services to the lord.
The feodal system was the foundation of the medieval economy and was tightly connected to the prevailing political order. It promoted the self-sufficiency and protection of local communities, fostering a more localized and decentralized power structure in society.
Outside of its historical context, the term "feodal" is occasionally used metaphorically to describe any hierarchical or oppressive system characterized by unequal distribution of power or resources. It may also be used to critique or emphasize a society's unjust or outdated social structures and institutions reminiscent of feudalism.
Common Misspellings for FEODAL
- deodal
- ceodal
- veodal
- geodal
- teodal
- reodal
- fwodal
- fsodal
- fdodal
- frodal
- f4odal
- f3odal
- fekdal
- feldal
- fepdal
- fe0dal
- fe9dal
- feosal
- feoxal
Etymology of FEODAL
The word "Feodal" has its etymology in the Latin word "feudalis" or "feudum", which refers to a feudal estate or fief. The term "feodal" originated in the 17th century and transitioned from this Latin root, specifically denoting the system of feudalism.
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