Fief (noun)

1. A feudal estate or holding, especially one granted by a lord to a vassal in return for allegiance and service.
2. A piece of land or territory granted by a sovereign power to a vassal or subordinate.

Origin:

The word 'fief' originated in the old french word 'feve' which meant 'a feudal estate or holding', and is related to the old high german word 'gif' meaning 'gift, grant'.

Examples:

1. The knights were granted fiefs by the king in return for their loyalty and military service.
2. The lord lived on his fief and collected taxes and rents from the serfs who worked the land.
3. The fief was passed down from father to son as part of the feudal inheritance laws.
4. The fiefs were gradually abolished as feudalism gave way to centralized monarchies.
5. The fief was a source of wealth and power, providing the lord with resources to maintain his army and influence.