Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
fief
noun
/fiːf/
Definition
A fief is a piece of land or property granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for allegiance and service during the feudal system.
Examples
- The knight was granted a fief in return for his loyalty to the king.
- Landowners often fought to expand their fiefs during the feudal wars.
- He managed his fief diligently, ensuring the peasants were well taken care of.
Meaning
It refers to the system of land ownership and duties in medieval Europe, where land was held in exchange for services to a higher authority.
Synonyms
- dominion
- estate
- lands
- property
- holding
