FEUDALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Feudalism is a political, economic, and social system that emerged in medieval Europe and persisted until the late Middle Ages. At its core, feudalism was characterized by a hierarchical structure in which a king or monarch granted land, known as a fief, to his vassals in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and a share of the agricultural produce. This land was worked by peasants, known as serfs, who were bound to the land and obligated to provide labor and resources to their lords. The lords, in turn, offered protection and administered justice within their territories.
Feudalism established a system of reciprocal obligations and provided a framework for political and societal order. It was based on the principle of land ownership or control as the primary source of power and wealth, with power flowing downward from the king to the vassals and further down to the serfs. The land was the cornerstone of feudal society, enabling the ruling class to accumulate wealth, undertake economic activities, and exert authority.
Feudalism allowed for decentralized governance and local autonomy within individual fiefs while also providing a level of cohesion and stability across larger territories. However, it also perpetuated social inequality and limited social mobility, with power and status being largely predetermined by birth. As the economic and political landscape began to change with urbanization and increased trade, feudalism gradually declined and was eventually replaced by more centralized systems of government, such as monarchy and nation-states.
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The principles and constitution by which lands were held by military services.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of FEUDALISM
The word "feudalism" is derived from the Latin term "feudum", which referred to a piece of land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and services. This term later evolved into "feudalis" in Medieval Latin and was used to describe the feudal system that existed during the Middle Ages. The English term "feudalism" was first recorded in the 17th century and was used to describe the social, economic, and political system that characterized the medieval period.
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