feudal

adjective

feu·​dal ˈfyü-dᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, or suggestive of feudalism

feudal law

a feudal lord

2

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a medieval fee (see fee entry 1 sense 1)

feudal rights and services

feudally

ˈfyü-dᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of feudal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shōgun Based on the literary sensation that already became a TV event in 1980, this sprawling new adaptation of the Japanese feudal epic seems to be the one to beat at this season’s Emmys, with a whopping 25 nominations for the first season. —Dan Heching, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024

The series was praised for its authentic portrayal of historical attire of feudal Japan, the show’s setting. —Maggie Clancy, WWD, 13 Sep. 2024

In exchange for intervening, Edward started treating Scotland like a feudal territory, asserting England’s dominance over its neighbor. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Sep. 2024

Production designer Helen Jarvis built feudal Japan on backlots and soundstages in Vancouver, including the harbor, fishing village, royal castle, and samurai houses. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see feud entry 2

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing feudal

• pre-feudal

Kids Definition

feudal

adjective

feu·​dal ˈfyüd-ᵊl 

: of or relating to feudalism

feudally adverb