The term "allodial system" refers to a system of land ownership where the land is owned outright by an individual or a group, with no obligation to pay rent or taxes to a higher authority. Synonyms for this term include "absolute ownership," "fee simple," and "freehold estate." All of these terms convey the same idea of a free and clear title to land without any encumbrances or obligations to a higher authority. In many countries, allodial systems have been replaced by systems of land tenure where the state retains some degree of control or ownership over the land, such as in the case of leasehold or government lands.