Vocab list

1. Feudalism: A social system where nobles held land from the Crown in exchange for

military service.

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

3. Tympanum: A semi-circular decorative wall surface over an entrance, often with

sculptures or reliefs.

4. Romanesque Art: A style of architecture and art from the 11th to the 13th centuries

characterized by rounded arches and robust appearance.

5. Final Judgment: A Christian belief referring to the day when God will judge all humans.

6. Sacraments: Sacred religious acts established by the Church.

7. Baptism: A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth.

8. Communion: The Christian practice of consuming bread and wine in memory of Jesus

Christ's sacrifice.

9. Excommunication: Exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of the

Church.

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

11. Secular Clergy: Clergy who interact with the community, like parish priests.

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

13. Monastery: A building where monks live and work.

14. Diocese: A district under the pastoral care of a bishop.

15. Parish: A local church community led by a parish priest.

16. Pope: The leader of the Catholic Church.

17. Cardinals: Senior officials of the Church, ranking just below the Pope.

18. Bishop: A clergy member who supervises a diocese.

19. Tonsure: A hairstyle worn by monks, symbolizing religious devotion.

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

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

22. Ash Wednesday: The first day of Lent in Christianity.

23. Lent: A 40-day Christian season of fasting and penance.

24. Abbey: A monastery governed by an abbot or abbess.

25. Salvation: Being saved from sin and its consequences in Christian belief.

26. Peace of God: A Church movement to protect non-combatants during wartime.

27. Homage: A formal public acknowledgment of feudal allegiance.

28. Vassal: A person who received protection and land from a lord in exchange for

allegiance and service.

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

30. Liege: A lord entitled to allegiance and service from vassals.

31. Seigneury: A feudal lord's estate.

32. Tenures: Lands leased by the lord to peasants.

33. Reserve: Land retained by the lord for personal cultivation.

34. Corvée Labor: Unpaid labor owed by peasants to their lord.

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

36. Cens: Rent paid by peasants for land use.

37. Fournage: A fee for using the lord's facilities.

38. Manor: The principal residence of a lord, often including villages.

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

40. Chivalry: The knightly code of honor emphasizing loyalty and courteous conduct.

41. Illuminated Manuscript: A handwritten book decorated with elaborate designs and gold

leaf.

42. Alms: Charity given to the poor.

43. Hospice: A home for the sick or terminally ill.

44. Pilgrimage: A journey to a sacred place for religious reasons.

45. Sergeant: An officer who enforces justice in a seigneury.

46. Guild: An association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft in

a particular area.

47. Peasant: A farmer of low social rank who works the land and provides labor in exchange

for protection.

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

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

50. Harvest: The act or season of gathering crops from the fields.