Webster's English Dictionary

Enter the word to look up:

feudalism

feu.dal.ism \'fyu:d-*l-.iz-*m\ \-*l-*st\ \.fyu:d-*l-'is-tik\ n 1: the 
   system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th t o 
   about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal 
   with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service 
   of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture 2: any of 
   various political or social systems similar to medieval feudalism  - 
   feu.dal.ist n