Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

manorialism

Noun

/məˈnɔːrɪəlɪzəm/

Definition

Manorialism is a system of land management and agricultural production that characterized medieval Europe, where the lord of a manor exploits the labor of peasants who live on and work the land.

Examples

The manorialism system was prevalent during the Middle Ages.
Under manorialism, peasants were often tied to the land and provided labor in exchange for protection.
Historians study manorialism to understand feudal society better.

Meaning

It refers to the socio-economic structure that dictated the relationship between landlords and peasants, regulating how land was used and how it governed local economies.