Feudal Society: Key Terms and Definitions

Understanding Feudalism: Essential Terms

Vassalage (Vasallaje)

The position of subordination or submission within the feudal system, where a vassal holds land from a lord in exchange for allegiance and service.

Fiefdom (Feudo)

An area of land possessed by a nobleman in exchange for feudal service to a lord.

Serfdom (Servidumbre)

The state of being a serf or feudal laborer, bound to the land and subject to the will of the lord.

Homage (Homenaje)

Special honor or respect shown publicly, often as a formal pledge of allegiance from a vassal to a lord.

Investiture (Investidura)

The formal action of investing a person with honors or rank, particularly in the context of granting a fief or office.

Feudal Lord (Señor Feudal)

The superior figure in feudal Europe, who granted land (fiefs) in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Nobility (Nobleza)

A privileged social class whose titles are inherited or granted by royal decree, typically owning land and holding significant power.

Clergy (Clero)

Representatives of the Church, including priests, bishops, and abbots, who held significant spiritual and temporal influence.

Count (Conde)

A high-ranking nobleman with extensive property and influence, often ruling a county or shire.

Duke (Duque)

A male holding the highest hereditary title in certain peerages, often ruling a duchy, a large territory.

Marquis (Marqués)

A nobleman ranked above a count and below a duke, often holding lands on the borders of a territory.

Bishop (Obispo)

A senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders.

Abbot (Abad)

The male head of a monastery or abbey.

Curia

The court or administrative body of a medieval king or pope.

Court (Corte)

The people accompanying a monarch or other high-ranking person, forming their household and retinue.

Knight (Caballero)

Warriors who fought in wars to protect their lord or king, adhering to a code of chivalry.

Lady (Señora)

A noblewoman, often holding land or a title, or the wife of a lord or knight.

Moat (Foso)

A deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically filled with water and intended as a defense against attack.

Portcullis (Rastrillo)

A heavy, vertically-sliding grating used to block the gateway of a castle or fortified building.

Page (Paje)

A young boy, typically around seven years old, serving as an attendant in a knight's household as part of his training for knighthood.

Squire (Escudero)

A young nobleman, typically a teenager, serving as a knight's attendant and shield-bearer, training for knighthood.

Helmet (Casco)

Protective headgear worn by knights to shield their heads during combat.

Shield (Escudo)

A piece of defensive armor carried by knights to protect themselves from arrows or lances.

Lance (Lanza)

A long, pointed weapon, typically used by knights on horseback to strike enemies.

Bridle (Brida)

Headgear worn by a horse, including reins, used by knights to control their horses.

Stirrup (Estribo)

Each of a pair of devices attached to a horse's saddle, providing a loop with a flat base to support the rider's foot.

Mail Coat (Malla)

A type of armor made of interlinked metal rings, worn by knights for protection.

Tournament (Torneo)

A medieval contest or mock battle, often involving groups of knights, held for sport or training.

Joust (Justa)

A combat between two mounted knights using lances, typically as part of a tournament.

Courtly Love (Amor Cortés)

A noble, idealized, and chivalrous courtship ritual, often celebrated in the songs of troubadours.

Parish (Parroquia)

A small administrative district, typically having its own church and a priest.

Manorial Rents (Rentas Señoriales)

Payments, often in labor, produce, or money, made by peasants to the lord of the manor for the right to live and work on his land.

Fallow (Barbecho)

Agricultural land that is plowed and harrowed but left unsown for a period to restore its fertility.