Fief

A fief (Latin feudum) was a central element of medieval contracts under feudal law: property or rights granted by an overlord to a vassal, who held it in fealty in return for allegiance, services or payments. It was usually land or revenue-producing property, but could also be an office, hunting or fishing rights, a trade monopoly or a tax farm. The term feudum, first attested in 984, replaced the older beneficium, and by the middle of the 10th century fiefs had largely become hereditary, an heir doing homage and paying a relief. By the 12th century English and French kings and barons commuted military service for cash payments (scutages); feudal fiefs still exist by law in Guernsey.