adj. 1 of, according to, or resembling the feudal system. 2 of a feud or fief. 3 outdated (had a feudal attitude). feudal system the social system in medieval Europe whereby a vassal held land from a superior in exchange for allegiance and service. feudalism n. feudalist n. feudalistic adj. feudalize v.tr. (also -ise). feudalization n. feudally adv.
[ med.L feudalis, feodalis f. feudum, feodum FEE, perh. f. Gmc ]