feudal class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feudal class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the social hierarchy or system of classes that existed during the feudal period, particularly in medieval Europe. Example: "The feudal class system created significant disparities in wealth and power among the nobility and the peasantry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

All feudal class privileges were abolished as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the tacit support of the emperor, the oligarchy ruthlessly swept aside old bureaucratic institutions and the feudal class structure.

The New York Times - Books

But Pakistan is urbanizing fast, and powerful forces of change are chipping away at the landed aristocracy, known in Pakistan as the feudal class.

The New York Times

Is it true, as Ms. Steele suggests, that homosexuality as a specific group only appeared after the slow breakdown of a feudal class system, when men at the apex of society thought it natural to penetrate either sex?

The New York Times

But many Pakistanis agree that the country's political system — long based on personal patronage, public graft, elite impunity and feudal class stratification — has been permanently shaken by the unprecedented judicial probe and sweeping verdict against a sitting prime minister.

The Washington Post

But apart from this political power system, the existence of a monarchy which doles out peerages, bish oprics and a full range of honours effectively preserves a feudal class system which keeps everyone in their place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

His performance earned him a key role in Satyajit Ray's The Chess Players, a study of the decadence of India's feudal classes.

Independent

Although roughly equivalent to the feudal classes, its Stände ("estates") were to operate as guilds, or corporations, each controlling a specific function of social life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nonetheless, young people took to the boulevards this week, chanting that "the bour geoisie and the feudal classes are making a monopoly of cul ture". Barely had the echoes still among the palm trees when Mr. Tweini indicted that he would reconsider the issue.

The New York Times

A new neo-feudal class featuring about 100 billionaires presided over a deeply unequal economy.

The Guardian

His films deal with expansive themes – a young couple who defy society and marry across class barriers; a feudal family's gradual decline; a Marxist activist's disillusionment with ideology; the strength of women.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical social structures, ensure that the term "feudal class" is contextualized within the specific time period and region being discussed to avoid anachronisms.

Common error

Avoid using "feudal class" loosely to describe any hierarchical society. This term is most accurate when referring to societies with defined feudal systems, such as medieval Europe or feudal Japan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feudal class" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific segment of society within a feudal system, often referring to the land-owning aristocracy. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feudal class" accurately denotes the social hierarchy within feudal systems, primarily referring to the land-owning aristocracy. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the term appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts, care should be taken to use it accurately within its historical context and avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrases like "aristocratic order" or "ruling elite" can provide nuanced descriptions depending on the intended emphasis. Remembering these contextual guidelines helps maintain precision and clarity when discussing historical social structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feudal aristocracy

Combines "feudal" with "aristocracy" to directly indicate the ruling class.

feudal social stratum

Replaces "class" with "social stratum" to emphasize the hierarchical layer within society.

feudal social order

Replacing "class" with "social order" to signify the established arrangement of society during feudalism.

aristocratic order

Uses "aristocratic order" to highlight the nobility and their established rank.

landed gentry

Focuses on the land ownership aspect associated with the feudal elite.

noble lineage

Emphasizes the inherited aspect of the feudal class.

ruling elite

Highlights the power and control held by the feudal class.

privileged estate

Uses "estate" to specify the social standing and entitlements of the class.

upper echelon of feudal society

Specifies the position of the feudal class at the top of the societal structure.

dominant social group in feudalism

Rephrases to define the "feudal class" as the primary controlling group in a feudal system.

FAQs

How is the term "feudal class" used in historical contexts?

The term "feudal class" refers to the social hierarchy prevalent during feudalism, characterized by a ruling nobility and a system of land tenure in exchange for service and loyalty. This system created distinct classes with varying degrees of power and privilege.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "feudal class"?

Alternatives include "aristocratic order", "noble lineage", or "ruling elite", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

How did the "feudal class" differ from other social classes?

The "feudal class" typically held significant land and power, unlike the peasant or serf classes who were bound to the land and owed service to the nobility. This distinction defined their economic and social roles.

Is it appropriate to use "feudal class" to describe modern social structures?

While some argue modern societies exhibit neo-feudal characteristics, using "feudal class" directly might be misleading. It's better to specify the modern power dynamics or inequalities rather than apply the term anachronistically.