any social, economic or political system or doctrinethought of as resembling the feudal system in subordinating people to the dictates of a leader or system. Originally in Western Europe in the Middle Ages (476 - 1450) the feudal system was one in which lesser nobles, such as barons, were tenants on land owned by a king. They provided military and other assistance to their king in return for his protection and the use of the land. Part of the use of the land included the use of the serfs (slaves) or peasants that lived and worked on that land. —9th ACC Volume 3 Approved Glossary