What are the defining features of feudal societies?

The term Feudal has had many different meanings. It is however, generally accepted to have originated from the German word Vieh meaning cattle. This refers to a moveable property with which feos or fees would be paid. The Latin word Feudum also stemmed from these fees, referring to the Fief, a form of real property or a piece of land that would be used as a payment, usually in return for military service. According to Bloch (1961), the basic term feudal stems from the Middle Ages, but in its present form, originated in judiciary law around the 17th century….(short extract)