Feudalism:
A term coined by the torians to describe the type of government institutions, as well as the general social and political relationships that existed among the warrior-landholders in much of Europe during the Middle Ages.
Feudal Compact:
An arrangement between a lord and his vassal involving the exchange of property for personal service.
Fief:
A grant of land and accompanying government responsibilities and power.
Homage:
A vassal's act of promising loyalty and obedience to his lord.
Vassal:
Another word for "servant", who served the lord that owned him in exchange for a fief.
Knight:
A vassal who was required to protect the lord and pledge his allegiance to him, in exchange for a fief. They also must go through training with an older knight before they could become one themselves.
Serf:
People in charge of exploring and settling on unexplored or unclaimed territory.
Barons:
Lords of large territories who usually paid homage to a King.
Peasantry:
People who farmed on large plantations known as "Manors" which were owned by a lord or lady of the nobility (or members of the clergy).
Three-Field System:
(more to come)
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