What is Fiefdom?
In [[feudalism]], a '''fiefdom''' (also called a '''fief''', '''feud''', '''feoff''', or '''fee''') was a [[:wikt:property|property]] or right that an [[:wikt:overlord|overlord]] gave a [[vassal]] in exchange for military service. This property, of whatever size, could be inherited by the man's heirs.<ref>Susan Reynolds, ''Fiefs and Vassals'' (Oxford; New York: The Clarendon Press, 2001), p. 69</ref> However, not only land but anything of value could be held in [[:wikt:fee|fee]], including a political office, hunting or fishing rights or [[:wikt:monopolies|monopolies]] in trade. A fief included the right of possession of something but with conditions.<ref> Carl Stephenson, ''Mediaeval Feudalism'' (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1956), p. 23</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} {{history-stub}} [[Category:Middle Ages]]