What is the etymology of feud?

The word "feud" has an interesting history, tracing back to Old French and ultimately to a Germanic root. Here's a breakdown of its etymology:

* Old French: "feude" (meaning "property held in fief")

* Medieval Latin: "feodum" (meaning "fief," which is land held in exchange for service)

* Old High German: "fuodi" (meaning "food, sustenance, payment")

The connection between "food" and "feud" might seem odd, but it makes sense historically. In the feudal system, a vassal was granted land (a fief) in exchange for military service and loyalty to the lord. This land provided sustenance, hence the link to "food."

Over time, the meaning of "feude" shifted from a legal term for landholding to a more general sense of hostility or prolonged conflict between families or groups. This shift likely occurred because disputes over land and inheritance were common sources of feuds in medieval times.

Therefore, the word "feud" ultimately comes from the concept of a land grant (a fief) and the connection between land and sustenance. The shift in meaning reflects the historical reality of feuds being often rooted in disputes over property and power.