European feudal societies were social systems prevalent in medieval Europe where power and land were controlled by a hierarchy of lords, knights, and serfs. Feudalism was characterized by the exchange of land for military service and protection.
Related terms
Manorialism: An economic system within feudalism where serfs worked on large estates called manors owned by lords.
Vassal: A person who held land in exchange for loyalty and military service to a higher-ranking lord.
Chivalry: A code of conduct followed by knights that emphasized virtues such as honor, bravery, and courtesy.