jlok]

aristocrat-- Upper-class nobility. feudal aid--Rights benefiting both lord and vassals.Vassals gave money at the marriage of the lord's eldest daughter. feudalism --A system of cooperation among peoples which was basically an exchange of land for protection. fief --The land granted to the vassal. homage --A ceremony which bound the vassal's physical protection for the lord of the manor. investiture-- The vassal gives his allegiance and is given his rights to control the land but not have ownership of it. knighthood --Able-bodied men who are hired by the vassal for the protection of the lord. standing army --A group of soldiers ready to do battle. subinfeudation --Breaking down an already-smaller portion of land in exchange for services and protection. summons --A call to appear in court. vassal --A man who would give protection to the lord in exchange for land.
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The Middle Ages brought about the rise of a governmental system known as feudalism. Although feudalism was a highly decentralized

system of authority, it was most successful in meeting the needs of the medieval period nobles. The primary political authority rested in local

dukedoms and baronies and established a political system which had never been conceived before. Feudalism was an exchange of land for

protection in which discipline, order and a different type of currency set a new course in styles of government. Here was a type of government

where no coin currency would have to change hands! An aristocrat would give vassals land in an agreement in which the vassals would then

give military service to the lord. Only the upper echelon of society such as noblemen could take part in the feudal agreement.

This system helped the rulers of the Middle Ages bring order to the nations, as a lord granted fiefs (land) to those who