feudalistic
|feu-dal-is-tic|
/ˌfjuːdəˈlɪstɪk/
relating to feudalism; hierarchical/archaic
Etymology
'feudalistic' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'feudal' + the suffix '-istic', where 'feudal' referred to matters of a 'fief' or feudal tenure.
'feudalistic' developed from the adjective 'feudal', which came into English via Middle English from Old French 'feodal' (or 'feudal') and Medieval Latin 'feodalis' (from 'feodum' or 'feudum' meaning 'fief'); the modern form was created by adding the adjectival suffix '-istic' to 'feudal'.
Initially it meant 'relating to fiefs or feudal tenure', but over time it broadened to mean 'pertaining to feudalism' and, figuratively, 'characteristic of hierarchical or archaic systems'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of feudalism — the medieval system of land ownership and obligations between lords and vassals.
The country's feudalistic land-tenure system persisted into the 19th century.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, describing a social, political, or organizational arrangement that is highly hierarchical, decentralized in power, or backward in its structure.
Critics argued that the company's feudalistic management style discouraged innovation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/28 21:32