Pronunciation: [fjˈuːdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "feudal" is spelled with an 'e' and not an 'i' due to its etymology. It comes from the Latin word "feodum" which later became "feudum" in medieval Latin. This word refers to a type of land tenure system in which land was given by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and military service. The spelling of "feudal" is transcribed phonetically as /ˈfjuːdəl/ with the stress on the first syllable.
Feudal is an adjective that refers to a societal structure or system characteristic of the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe, which was based on a hierarchical relationship between a lord and vassals. It describes a socio-economic and political framework that emphasizes the granting and receiving of land, known as fiefs, in exchange for loyalty, military service, and various other obligations.
In this feudal system, power was concentrated in the hands of the nobility, with the king or monarch at the top of the hierarchy as the ultimate landowner. The nobles, or lords, would then parcel out portions of their land to lesser nobles, called vassals, who in turn had vassals of their own. This system created a pyramid-like structure, where each individual owed allegiance and service to those of higher rank. Vassals worked the land in return for the protection and support offered by their lords.
Feudalism was characterized by a complex web of social and economic relationships, characterized by the exchange of services and obligations between lords and vassals. It reinforced a sense of mutual dependency and loyalty within the hierarchy, with land being the fundamental currency of power and wealth. Feudalism gradually declined in Europe with societal changes and the rise of centralized monarchies and nation-states, but it had a lasting impact on the development of medieval society and its understanding of social order and authority.
Pert. to the system by which lands were held on the condition of military service.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "feudal" ultimately originates from the Latin term "feudum" which referred to a piece of land or estate granted by a lord to a vassal. This farming and landholding system, known as "feudalism", was prevalent in medieval Europe. Over time, the Latin "feudum" evolved into the Old French word "feodal" or "feodalité", which was eventually anglicized to "feudal" in English. The term became widely used in English during the 17th century to describe the social, economic, and political system of medieval Europe.
