Fief

usgb/fiːf/
noun

In the past, a piece of land given by a king or lord to someone who agreed to serve them, especially by fighting for them.

In medieval times, knights were often given a fief by their lord in return for loyalty and service.
Visual representation of "fief" - In the past, a piece of land given by a king or lord to someone who agreed to serve them, especially by fighting for them.

Often appears as...

  • hold a fief
  • grant a fief

Usage tips

Formal

Historical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "fief"
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Medieval Context

Fief is closely linked to medieval history, relating to nobility and land.

Illustration for Medieval Context
He studied how the fief system shaped medieval society.
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Service Exchange

A fief involved an agreement of service, typically military, for land tenure.

Illustration for Service Exchange
The warrior received a fief for his service to the king.
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Historical Feudalism

Fief is a term from feudal systems where society was structured in hierarchies.

Illustration for Historical Feudalism
Under feudalism, serfs worked on the lord's fief.
Visual representation of the word "Fief"

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