Fief Or Feud
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
In its origin, a fief was a district of country, allotted to one of the chiefs who invaded the Roman empire, as a stipend or reward; with a condition annexed that the possessor should do service faithfully both at home and in the wars, to him by whom they were given.
2 Bl. Com. 45; Encyclopédie, h. t.; Merl. Rép. h. t.