Definition

A piece of land or property that is given to a person in exchange for loyalty and service, especially in the feudal system.

Example

The lord granted him a fief in return for his military service.

Conversation

Did you know that in medieval times, a lord would grant lands as a fief?

Really? I always thought it was just a fancy term for a piece of land.

It's more than that; it was a way to establish loyalty and control.

That makes sense. It sounds like a complicated system of power.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fief originates from Old French *fief*, meaning a feudal estate or land held by a vassal in exchange for service. The term reflects the system of land tenure in medieval Europe, where land was granted in return for loyalty and military service.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'feudal estate' that a vassal holds in exchange for service — that's what a fief represents.

Visually Confused Words