Vassal

Quick meaning: Vassal is a noun meaning (figurative) Any subordinate bound by similar close ties.

Meaning

(figurative) Any subordinate bound by similar close ties.

More Meanings

1. Resembling a vassal; slavish; servile.
2. (transitive) To treat as a vassal or to reduce to the position of a vassal; to subject to control; to enslave.
3. (transitive) To subordinate to someone or something.
4. (historical) Any direct subordinate bound by such vows to a superior.
5. (historical, law) The grantee of a fief, a subordinate granted use of a superior's land and its income in exchange for vows of fidelity and homage and (typically) military service.

Example Sentences

The vassals of his anger.

The king ordered his vassals to join him on the crusade unless they had a written note signed by the archbishop or pope.

The manor's vassals owed first fruits and a tithe to the parish church, another 10% to the lord (including at least 50 eels), a week or two each year of service in the manor's upkeep, and service in the local fyrd.

Did they, quoth you? / Who sees the heavenly Rosaline / That, like a rude and savage man of Inde / At the first opening of the gorgeous east / Bows not his vassal head and strucken blind / Kisses the base ground with obedient breast?

Word Forms

• vassals
• vasal
• vassaling
• vassalling
• vassaled
• vassalled

Synonyms for vassal

Depending on context, synonyms include feudatory, subject, dependant, villein, serf, thrall.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include feudatory, liegeman, liege, serf, client, slave.

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