In feudal Europe, what term described land granted by a lord to a vassal?

In feudal Europe, what term described land granted by a lord to a vassal?

• A. A manor
• B. A fief
• C. A duchy
• D. A province

Answer: (B)

In feudal Europe, land granted by a lord to a vassal is called a fief. This grant creates the feudal bond: the lord provides land and protection, and the vassal offers loyalty and service, often including military support. The fief could be various parcels of land or income tied to governance and duties, and it could even pass to an heir in many cases. This term is specific to the land tenure arrangement at the heart of feudal relationships, whereas a manor refers to the estate and how it’s managed, a duchy is a realm ruled by a duke, and a province is a broad administrative region. The fief is the land itself granted in exchange for service.

In feudal Europe, land granted by a lord to a vassal is called a fief. This grant creates the feudal bond: the lord provides land and protection, and the vassal offers loyalty and service, often including military support. The fief could be various parcels of land or income tied to governance and duties, and it could even pass to an heir in many cases. This term is specific to the land tenure arrangement at the heart of feudal relationships, whereas a manor refers to the estate and how it’s managed, a duchy is a realm ruled by a duke, and a province is a broad administrative region. The fief is the land itself granted in exchange for service.