[ad. med.L. feudum, feodum: see FEE sb.2]
1. = FEE sb.2 1.
1614. Selden, Titles of Honor, 61. I might with casting about, frame the nature of Feuds, or Patronage, which consist in mutuall faith twixt the tenant or client, and Lord or Patron, out of the word.
1708. Termes de la Ley, 336. Feod is a right which the Vassal hath in Land.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), III. 151. The Conqueror conferred the estates of such of the Saxon Thanes, as had fallen in the battle of Hastings, on his his principal followers as strict feuds; to be held immediately of himself, by fealty, homage, and military, or other honourable services.
1872. E. W. Robertson, Historical Essays, 256. As the Benefice began to be converted into the hereditary Feud, with the principle of private and hereditary property, the seeds of future decay were planted in the system.
2. = FEE sb.2 3.
1806. A. Duncan, Nelson, 117. His Majesty conferred on him the title of Duke of Bronte, annexing to it the feud of that name.
1815. T. Jefferson, Autobiog., Wks. 1859, I. 91. Residing constantly on their patrimonial feuds, and familiarized, by daily habit, with Seigneurial powers and practices, they had not yet learned to suspect their inconsistence with reason and right.
1865. Maffei, Brigand Life, II. 271. The old Papal feud of Beneventum will soon be furrowed by spacious roads, which already stretch out in every direction, defending it against any future incursion, for brigands carefully avoid the vicinity of frequented paths.
