feudalism

/'fju:dəlizm/

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Word: Feudalism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Feudalism is a social system that developed in Europe around the 8th century. In this system, land was owned by wealthy people called lords. The lords provided protection and land to their vassals (lesser nobles or knights) in exchange for their loyalty and military service. Vassals had to serve their lords in battles and help them maintain their power.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Usually discussed in historical contexts, particularly when talking about medieval Europe.
• Form: Always used as a noun (e.g., "The feudalism of the Middle Ages was quite complex.").

Example Sentence:

• "During the time of feudalism, many peasants worked on the land owned by lords in return for protection."

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "feudalism" in discussions about social structures, power dynamics, and historical analysis. For instance:
  • "Feudalism contributed to a rigid class system that influenced European society for centuries."

Word Variants:

• Feudal: (adjective) Relating to the feudal system.
  • Example: "The feudal obligations were clearly defined."
• Feudalist: (noun) A person who supports or believes in the principles of feudalism.
  • Example: "The feudalist system was prevalent in medieval Europe."

Different Meanings:

• In a modern context, "feudalism" can sometimes refer to any hierarchical system where a few individuals have power over many others, although this is more metaphorical.

Synonyms:

• None that are exact, but related terms include:
  • Manorialism: A related economic system that describes the organization of the rural economy under feudalism.
  • Serfdom: A condition in which a peasant is bound to the land and under the control of a lord.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "feudalism," but you might hear phrases like:
  • "Back to feudal times" which indicates a return to outdated, hierarchical systems.

Academic

Noun

1. the social system that developed in Europe in the 8th century; vassals were protected by lords who they had to serve in war

Synonyms

• feudal system