feudalism

Meaning

A social system based on personal ownership of resources and personal fealty between a suzerain (lord) and a vassal (subject). Defining characteristics are direct ownership of resources, personal loyalty, and a hierarchical social structure reinforced by religion.

Synonyms

feudal system

serfdom

villeinage

feudality

serfdomite

Translations

féodalisme

feudalismo

feudalesimo

Feudalismus

feudalismo

feudalisme

إقطاعية

φεουδαρχία

feodalisme

feodalizm

féodalité

derebeylik

leenstelsel

feodalite

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈfju.də.lɪ.zəm/

Etymology

From feudal + -ism.