I. ˈfyüd noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of Middle English fede, feide, from Middle French faide, feide, fede, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English fǣhth enmity, hostility, feud, Old High German fēhida, Old Frisian feithe, faithe; derivatives from the root of Old English fāh hostile — more at foe
: a prolonged or inveterate mutual enmity marked by bitter and often violent conflicts : a war of revenge or rivalry between individuals or factions : a relationship of aggressive hostility : strife , quarrel
a political feud of long standing
a new outbreak of the virulent feud between labor and management
had they been united, they might have prevailed; but they were always at feud with each other — Goldwin Smith
specifically : blood feud
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to carry on a feud : battle
is currently feuding with the Treasury over her refusal to withhold employees' taxes — Newsweek
the two families of the valley have feuded for generations
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Medieval Latin feodum, feudum, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fihu cattle — more at fee
: an estate in land held of a lord or superior by a tenant or vassal on condition he render certain services to the lord or superior : a feudal benefice : fee , fief — compare alodium