feudal

UK: ˈfjuːd(ə)l | US: ˈfjuːd(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. relating to a feudal system or its hierarchy

  2. adj. characteristic of medieval feudalism (e.g., oppressive, archaic)

Structure
feud <land tenure>al <adjective suffix>feud <land tenure>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word traces back to the medieval practice of granting land (feud) in return for military or labor service. The Germanic root fehu (property) highlights the economic core of feudalism, where land equaled wealth. Over time, "feudal" expanded to describe rigid, hierarchical systems beyond its historical context.

Examples

  1. The feudal system dominated Europe during the Middle Ages.

  2. Lords exercised feudal authority over peasant communities.

  3. Critics compared the company’s management structure to a feudal hierarchy.

  4. Feudal obligations often bound serfs to their land.

  5. The king distributed feudal titles to loyal nobles.