feudalism

/ˈfju.dəlɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

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.

Examples :

"In medieval Europe, feudalism was a system where a king owned the land, and nobles swore loyalty to him in exchange for a portion of it. "

Related Words

suzerain noun

/ˈs(j)uz(ə)ɹən/

A dominant nation or state that has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which otherwise has domestic autonomy.

"The suzerain nation dictated the foreign policy of the smaller, subservient state, but allowed the smaller nation to manage its own internal affairs. "

resources noun

/ɹɨˈzɔɹsɨz/

Something that one uses to achieve an objective, e.g. raw materials or personnel.

"The students used library resources like books and computers to complete their research project. "

medieval noun

/mɪd.ˈiː.vəl/ /mɪd.ˈi.vəl/

Someone living in the Middle Ages.

"The medieval historian spoke about the challenges faced by peasants in the Middle Ages. "

personal noun

/ˈpɜː.sən.əl/ /ˈpɜɹ.sən.əl/

An advertisement by which individuals attempt to meet others with similar interests.

"The online personal for finding a book club partner was very popular among students. "

religion noun

/ɹɪˈlɪdʒən/

Belief in a spiritual or metaphysical reality (often including at least one deity), accompanied by practices or rituals pertaining to the belief.

"My brother tends to value religion, but my sister not as much."

hierarchical adjective

/ˌhaɪəˈɹɑːkɪkəl/ /ˌhaɪˈɹɑːɹkɪkəl/

Pertaining to a hierarchy.

"Our company has a hierarchical structure, with the CEO at the top and different levels of managers and employees below. "

structure noun

/ˈstɹʌktʃə(ɹ)/ /ˈstɹʌktʃɚ/

A cohesive whole built up of distinct parts.

"The birds had built an amazing structure out of sticks and various discarded items."

defining verb

/dɪˈfaɪnɪŋ/ /diˈfaɪnɪŋ/

To determine with precision; to mark out with distinctness; to ascertain or exhibit clearly.

"the defining power of an optical instrument"

reinforced verb

/ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst/ /ˌriːənˈfɔːrst/

To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

"He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape."

ownership noun

/ˈoʊnərʃɪp/ /ˈoʊnərˌʃɪp/

The state of having complete legal control of something; possession; proprietorship.

"My ownership of the bicycle means I am responsible for its upkeep and safety. "

characteristics noun

/ˌkæɹəktəˈɹɪstɪks/ /ˌkɛɹəktəˈɹɪstɪks/

A distinguishing feature of a person or thing.

"One of the main characteristics of a golden retriever is its friendly personality. "

exchange noun

/ɛksˈtʃeɪndʒ/

An act of exchanging or trading.

"All in all, it was an even exchange."