What is a land grant made by a lord to a lower member of the nobility called?

The correct answer is "fief." In the context of feudalism, a fief refers to an estate or land grant that a lord provides to a vassal, who is typically a lower member of the nobility. This land grant is an essential aspect of the feudal system, where the vassal receives the land in exchange for loyalty and service to the lord. The arrangement creates a reciprocal relationship: the lord gains military and other forms of support from the vassal, while the vassal gains economic resources from the land.

Understanding the term "fief" is crucial in grasping the structure of medieval society and its hierarchies. It illustrates how power was distributed and the obligations created through land ownership, which were central to the functioning of feudalism. Each party had specific duties; the lord provided protection and the land itself, while the vassal owed allegiance and military assistance.

The other terms provided in the options each have distinct meanings within the context of medieval history. A bishopric refers to the office or jurisdiction of a bishop, which is not related to the concept of land grants. Homage is the formal ceremony by which a vassal pledges loyalty to their lord, while vass