In feudalism:
* A fief was a grant of land given by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty, military service, and other obligations.
* The vassal held the fief as a tenant, with the lord retaining ultimate ownership.
* The term "fief" can also refer to the rights and responsibilities associated with the land, such as the right to collect taxes or to summon vassals for military service.
Modern Usage:
The term "fief" is rarely used in modern English, but it can still be found in historical contexts or to describe situations where someone has a strong hold on a particular area or position. For example, someone might jokingly refer to their own home as their "fiefdom."