the.com/fiefdom
a piece of turf someone rules like a tiny king, org chart optional.
means a domain of personal control, often carved out of a larger organization, jealously guarded from outsiders and rivals alike.
from from medieval feudalism, where a lord granted land, a fief, to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service, the vassal ruling it like a mini kingdom under the king.
medieval rootfief meant land granted for service, not owned outright
modern usagenow mostly describes office politics, not literal land
classic signgatekeeping, empire-building, and hoarding information are symptoms