Understanding Enfief: The Feudal System of Medieval Europe

Enfief is a French word that can be translated to "in fief" or "in feudal tenure". It refers to the relationship between a vassal and a lord in the feudal system of medieval Europe.

In this system, a vassal would pledge loyalty and military service to a lord in exchange for land, known as a fief. The vassal would hold the land "in enfief" and be responsible for defending it and providing military service when called upon by the lord. The lord, in turn, would provide protection and support to the vassal.

The concept of enfief was central to the feudal system and played a key role in the social and political organization of medieval Europe. It defined the relationship between lords and vassals and shaped the distribution of power and resources within society.