A fief (/ fiːf /; Latin: feudum) was a central element in medieval contracts based on feudal law. It consisted of a form of property holding or other rights granted by an overlord to a vassal, who held it …

Fief, in European feudal society, a vassal’s source of income, held from his lord in exchange for services. The fief constituted the central institution of feudal society.

In European feudalism, a fief was a source of income granted to a person (called a vassal) by his lord in exchange for his services. The fief usually consisted of land and the labor of peasants who were …

May 23, 2024 · Fiefs traditionally took the form of plots of land, but the rights to manorial rents, a noble title, or an office might also be considered to be fiefs as well. A fief could be granted by an overlord …

Jan 18, 2026 · Noun fief m (plural fiefs) fief (figurative) stronghold (district where a particular political party is usually assured of victory)

Vassal: A person who received a fief from a lord and was obligated to provide military service and loyalty in return. Manor: A self-sufficient estate that included the lord's residence, farmland, and peasant …

Definition of fief noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

fief in British English or feoff (fiːf ) noun (in feudal Europe) the property or fee granted to a vassal for his maintenance by his lord in return for service

Mar 19, 2018 · A fief was the central element of the European feudal society consisting of heritable property or rights granted by an overlord to a vassal who held it for a fee in return for a form of feudal …

A fief is a piece of land or property given by a superior, like a feudal lord or king, to a vassal in return for services or loyalty, especially during the Middle Ages in Europe.