Feudalism was a social and economic system in medieval Europe where land was owned by the nobility, who granted it to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Related terms
Manorial System: The manorial system was an integral part of feudalism where peasants worked on large agricultural estates called manors owned by lords.
Serfs: Serfs were peasants who were bound to work on their lord's land and could not leave without permission.
Lord: A lord was a noble who controlled land and held authority over vassals and serfs.