Vocab list

Feudalism

A social system where nobles held land from the Crown in exchange for military service.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Tympanum

A semi-circular decorative wall surface over an entrance, often with sculptures or reliefs.

Romanesque Art

A style of architecture and art from the 11th to the 13th centuries characterized by rounded arches and robust appearance.

Final Judgment

A Christian belief referring to the day when God will judge all humans.

Sacraments

Sacred religious acts established by the Church.

Baptism

A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth.

Communion

The Christian practice of consuming bread and wine in memory of Jesus Christ's sacrifice.

Excommunication

Exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of the Church.

Tithe

A tenth of one’s annual income or produce given to the Church.

Secular Clergy

Clergy who interact with the community, like parish priests.

Regular Clergy

Clergy who live apart from the community, like monks and nuns.

Monastery

A building where monks live and work.

Diocese

A district under the pastoral care of a bishop.

Parish

A local church community led by a parish priest.

Pope

The leader of the Catholic Church.

Cardinals

Senior officials of the Church, ranking just below the Pope.

Bishop

A clergy member who supervises a diocese.

Tonsure

A hairstyle worn by monks, symbolizing religious devotion.

Assumption

A Christian celebration of the Virgin Mary's ascent to heaven.

Pentecost

A Christian festival celebrating the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles.

Ash Wednesday

The first day of Lent in Christianity.

Lent

A 40-day Christian season of fasting and penance.

Abbey

A monastery governed by an abbot or abbess.

Salvation

Being saved from sin and its consequences in Christian belief.

Peace of God

A Church movement to protect non-combatants during wartime.

Homage

A formal public acknowledgment of feudal allegiance.

Vassal

A person who received protection and land from a lord in exchange for allegiance and service.

Fief

An estate of land held by a vassal under feudal obligations.

Liege

A lord entitled to allegiance and service from vassals.

Seigneury

A feudal lord's estate.

Tenures

Lands leased by the lord to peasants.

Reserve

Land retained by the lord for personal cultivation.

Corvée Labor

Unpaid labor owed by peasants to their lord.

Banalities

Fees paid by peasants for using the lord's facilities.

Cens

Rent paid by peasants for land use.

Fournage

A fee for using the lord's facilities.

Manor

The principal residence of a lord, often including villages.

Knights

Warriors sworn to serve a lord in exchange for land or honor.

Chivalry

The knightly code of honor emphasizing loyalty and courteous conduct.

Illuminated Manuscript

A handwritten book decorated with elaborate designs and gold leaf.

Alms

Charity given to the poor.

Hospice

A home for the sick or terminally ill.

Pilgrimage

A journey to a sacred place for religious reasons.

Sergeant

An officer who enforces justice in a seigneury.

Guild

An association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft in a particular area.

Peasant

A farmer of low social rank who works the land and provides labor in exchange for protection.

Keep

A fortified tower within a castle, serving as a residence and stronghold.

Fealty

A vassal's sworn loyalty to a lord under the feudal system.

Harvest

The act or season of gathering crops from the fields.