Manorialism Meaning and Definition

Manorialism

Manorialism

Pronunciation

/ˌmænəˈrɪəlɪzəm/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A medieval European social and economic system in which lords owned the land and peasants worked it in exchange for protection and housing.

Examples

  • The feudal system was characterized by manorialism, where lords held power over peasants.
  • Manorialism was a key feature of medieval European society, with lords owning large tracts of land.

Synonyms

  • Feudalism
  • Medievalism

Antonyms

  • Capitalism
  • Industrialism

Etymology

The word “manorialism” comes from the Latin words “manus” meaning “hand” and “familia” meaning “family”, referring to the lord’s household or estate.

Usage Notes

Manorialism is often used in historical and academic contexts to describe the social and economic systems of medieval Europe.

Cultural References

Manorialism has been referenced in various works of fiction, including novels and films set in medieval Europe.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

  • Feudalism
  • Medievalism
  • Lordship

Collocations

  • Manorialism and feudalism
  • Manorialism and the lord’s household

Frequency of Use

Manorialism is a relatively rare word in modern language, primarily used in academic and historical contexts.

Common Misspellings

  • Manorailism
  • Manerailism

Additional Information

Manorialism was a complex system that varied across different regions and time periods. It was characterized by a hierarchical structure, with lords at the top and peasants at the bottom. The system was based on the idea of reciprocity, where lords provided protection and housing to peasants in exchange for labor and loyalty. Manorialism played a significant role in shaping the social and economic landscape of medieval Europe.

The manor was the basic unit of the manorial system, and it was typically owned by a lord. The manor included the lord’s household, as well as the peasants who worked the land. The peasants were required to provide labor and goods to the lord in exchange for protection and housing. The system was based on a feudal contract, which outlined the rights and responsibilities of both the lord and the peasants.

Manorialism was a key feature of medieval European society, and it played a significant role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the time. The system was characterized by a hierarchical structure, with lords at the top and peasants at the bottom. The system was based on the idea of reciprocity, where lords provided protection and housing to peasants in exchange for labor and loyalty.

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