Fief: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in historical or fantasy contexts to describe a piece of land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service.

• The knight was given a fief by the king for his bravery in battle.
• In medieval times, a fief was more than just land; it represented a bond of loyalty.

Appropriate in formal or academic discussions about the feudal system, referring to landholdings under the control of a lord, encompassing all lands and the associated social structure.

• The feudal estate was divided among the baron's vassals.
• Studying a feudal estate involves understanding the hierarchical nature of medieval society.

Commonly used in legal, governmental, or historical contexts to denote a piece of land given by the government or a ruler, often for services rendered or for settlement purposes.

• The settlers were given a land grant to develop the new territory.
• The government awarded a land grant to the university for expansion.

Used in historical or medieval contexts to refer to an estate of land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for service and loyalty.

• In medieval times, a knight would receive a fief from a king as a reward for his service in battle.
• The lord promised him a fief in the eastern part of his kingdom.

Used to describe an area of control, influence, or ownership, which can be physical, such as land, or abstract, such as a field of study or expertise.

• The scientist expanded her research domain to include environmental studies.
• The king's domain stretched from the mountains to the sea.

Refers to a large country house with lands, historically the residence of the lord of the manor in feudal societies.

• The old manor was surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees.
• The manor served as the main residence for the noble family for generations.