fiefdom

Noun

fiefdom (countable and uncountable, plural fiefdoms)

1. (historical) The estate controlled by a feudal lord.
   • The duke's fiefdom had been greatly expanded as a reward for his dutiful military service on behalf of the king.
   • "If you wish to offer any of my vassals fiefdoms or positions in your new kingdom, they have my leave to accept. I promised them that when they came with me."1989, Robert Shea, The Saracen, The Holy War

   Synonyms:

   fief

2. (broadly, derogatory) Any organization in the control of a dominant individual.
   • “[Bill Clinton] was just walking around, looking in all the offices, like he was surveying his fiefdom. He had a big grin on his face.”2008, David Maraniss, First In His Class: A Biography Of Bill Clinton, Simon and Schuster, →ISBN
   • Hollande told cheering supporters in his rural fiefdom of Corrèze in south-west France that he was best-placed to lead France towards change, saying the vote marked a "rejection" of Sarkozy and a "sanction" against his five years in office.2012 April 23, Angelique Chrisafis, “François Hollande on top but far right scores record result in French election”, in The Guardian