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feud¹

(fyd)

A bitter, often prolonged quarrel or state of enmity, especially such a state of hostilities between two families or clans.

intr.v. feud·ed, feud·ing, feuds

To carry on or perpetuate a bitter quarrel or state of enmity.

[Alteration (probably influenced by FEUD²) of Middle English fede, from Old French faide, of Germanic origin.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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