Middle Ages Feudalism: Vocabulary

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serf

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An unfree peasant who farmed the lord’s land and couldn’t leave the lord’s estate

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feudalism

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The economic and political system of medieval Europe in which people exchanged loyalty and labor for a lord’s protection

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hierarchy

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A system of organizing people into ranks, with those of higher rank having more power and privileges

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Roman Catholic Church

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The Christian church headed by the pope in Rome

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pope

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The bishop of Rome and supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church

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divine right of kings

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The belief that god gives monarchs the right to rule

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fief

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Land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service

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manor

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A large estate, including farmland and villages, held by a lord

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noble

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A person of high rank by birth or title

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monarch

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A ruler, such as a king or queen