The term 'medieval' refers to the Middle Ages, a period in European history that lasted from roughly the 5th century to the late 15th century. It is characterized by feudalism, the rise of kingdoms, the spread of Christianity, and the development of various cultural and artistic movements. In a broader sense, 'medieval' can describe anything that is reminiscent of this time period, including architecture, literature, and art.
The word 'medieval' comes from the Latin phrase 'medium aevum,' which means 'the middle ages.' It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe the historical period.