Feudalism

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) The feudal system; a system by which the holding of estates in land is made dependent upon an obligation to render military service to the kind or feudal superior; feudal principles and usages.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

Or the Feudal system, that system which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages and in England from the Norman Conquest, by which vassals held their lands from the lord-superior on condition of military service when required, for "the extreme unction day" of which see " Vol. I. Bk. 4 Carlyle'S "French Revolution .