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Crusade

Military expeditions into the Holy Land to reclaim Jerusalem from the Infidels; a dedicated campaign for a specific cause.

Absolute monarchy

A system of government in which the head of state holds a hereditary position and the king or queen has almost complete power.

Scorched Earth policy

A military strategy of burning or destroying buildings

Excommunicated

Could not receive sacraments from the Church.

Papal States

A section of central Italy governed by the pope.

Duress

Under pressure.

Cloister

An enclosure to meditate.

Indulgences

The selling of forgiveness by the Catholic Church; a practice that led to the Reformation.

Depose

To remove from office or power.

Martyr

A person who is killed for their faith.

Friar

Active in the world and travels to preach the Gospel.

Nun

A woman who separates herself from ordinary society to dedicate herself to God; lives in a convent.

Scriptorium

A room in a monastery for writing or copying manuscripts.

Mayor of the Palace

Chief advisor to the king.

Vassal

Anyone who served the lord.

Manorialism

The economic system of the Middle Ages in which serfs worked land in exchange for protection.

Serfs

People forced to work the land for the owner's profit in exchange for some money.

Consanguinity

Blood relationship.

Self-sufficient

Able to provide their own needs.

Chapter house

A place where all monks would go in the morning.

Moneychangers

Held money for protection

Monastery

Provided education

Heresy

A belief that contradicts accepted Church teachings.

Fallow

A field left unused.

Convent

A religious residence especially for nuns.

Castle

A fortified home providing security for surrounding people; central to feudalism.

Limited/constitutional monarchy

A government in which the monarch remains head of state but must consult Parliament.

Fief

Land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service.

Chivalry

The code of conduct for knights during the Middle Ages.

Lay investiture

A ceremony in which kings and nobles appointed church officials.

Interdict

A prohibition or ban imposed by the pope.

Refectory

A quiet dining hall in a monastery.

Secular

People not part of religious orders.

Tonsure

Shaving of the head when entering a religious order.

Manor

A lord's estate

Confessor

A holy person who suffered for their faith but was not killed.

Diocese

A church district controlled by a bishop.

Abbot

Head of a monastery.

Feudalism

A political system in which land was exchanged for power.

Secularism

A doctrine that rejects religion and religious considerations.

Common law

Henry II’s system in which laws were consistent across England.

Infidels

Non-Christians.

Guilds

Business associations formed to protect members.

Parliament

The law-making body of England that began under John I.

Hostelry

An inn or hotel.

Saracens

Another name for Muslims.

Moors

Spanish Muslims.

Bishop

The highest-ranking clergy after the pope.

Monk

A religious man who lives apart from society and dedicates his life to prayer.

Priest

An ordained minister who acts as a mediator between God and people.

Abbess

The female superior of a nunnery.

Abbey

The group of buildings forming the home of monks or nuns.