Feudal

Relating to, or denoting the feudal system, which was the dominant social system in medieval Europe, where land ownership was a hierarchical structure based on lords granting land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for service or labor. It also describes societies or systems that resemble or share characteristics of feudalism, such as hierarchical structures, rigid social classes, strong obligations of loyalty and service, and decentralized political authority. These features often include land ownership as a primary source of power and status. It encompasses aspects of the social, economic, and political order, often involving the concept of a "feudal contract" between a lord and his vassals.

Feudal meaning with examples

• The medieval period was characterized by a strict feudal system, with kings at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants. Land ownership determined social status and obligations. Peasants worked the land in exchange for protection, exemplifying the structure of medieval society. Political power was heavily decentralized, with nobles controlling their own territories.
• The historical study highlighted how the feudal order, with its reliance on military service in exchange for land grants, impacted the development of European nations. This arrangement resulted in extensive peasant labor required to support the warrior class, profoundly shaping the social and economic life of the population during the Middle Ages.
• The remnants of a feudal society were evident in the villages, with families bound by long-standing traditions and obligations to the local landowner, even long after the abolishment of formal feudal structures. The reliance on land and family ties echoed the social hierarchies of the bygone era.
• The novel vividly portrayed a dystopian society structured around feudal principles, where a ruling elite controlled resources and citizens were divided into rigid castes. The parallels with historical feudalism exposed similar issues, showcasing the power imbalance in modern society.
• Even today, some economic practices mirror feudal characteristics with large corporations holding significant power over workers' wages and conditions. The workers’ rights and struggles for better conditions reflect the history of the feudal contracts.