Meaning & Definition of word "Feudalism"

Feudalism

/ˈfjuːdəlɪzəm/

1. A social system that existed in medieval Europe, in which society was structured around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labor.
- Example: Feudalism created a rigid class structure, with lords at the top and peasants at the bottom.
2. A political and economic system in which a ruler grants land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service.
- Example: The feudalism of the Middle Ages facilitated the control of land and resources by a small class of nobles.
3. A system or approach resembling the feudal system, characterized by a hierarchical organization and a rigid structure of dependency.
- Example: In some modern businesses, a form of feudalism may exist where lower-tier employees depend heavily on the decisions of upper management.

Derived from the French 'féodalisme', which comes from 'fief', meaning 'feudal estate'.

feudal system:

A historical system of land ownership and governance in medieval Europe.

lord and vassal:

Refers to the relationship in feudalism where a lord grants land to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service.

serf:

A laborer bound under the feudal system to work on his lord's estate.

fief:

An estate of land, especially one held on condition of feudal service.

Meaning: Old school power dynamics

Example Sentence: The way that company operates feels like a feudalism, with the boss sitting on top.

Meaning: Pay to play

Example Sentence: In that organization, it's all about feudalism; you have to curry favor with the higher-ups to get anywhere.