Chapter One Vocabulary Flashcards
The learner should expect to llearn the definitions of the vocabulary words.
aristocracy
the upper or noble class whose members’ status is usually inherited
vassal
a person who receives land from a ruler and in return promises to fight for that ruler
feudalism
a system of government in which land is exchanged for loyalty and services
guild
a group of craftspeople who control a certain craft
literacy
the ability to read
estate
an area of land or property
lord
a person with power and influence who controls land given to them by a king
medieval
relating to the Middle Ages in Europe
autonomous
having the power of self-government
institution
an organization that has existed for a long time and promotes a partiicular cause
fief
a plot of land exchanged for loyalty to a ruler
patriarchy
a social structure marked by the dominance of the father in the family
knight
a soldier on horseback who serves a king or other ruler
serf
a person living on a feudal estate who was required to work for the lord of the manor
clergy
in a Christian church, people, such as priests, who carry out religious duties
