vassal

[ˈvæsəl]

vassal Definition

• 1. a person or country in a subordinate position to another
• 2. a feudal tenant holding land on conditions of homage and allegiance

Using vassal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vassal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The king's vassals were required to pay tribute.

• Example

  He was a vassal of the Duke.

• Example

  The vassal owed military service to his lord.

• Example

  The vassal pledged loyalty to his lord.

vassal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vassal

• subject
• liegeman
• feudatory
• tenant
• serf

Antonyms for vassal

• lord
• sovereign

Phrases with vassal

• vassal state

  a country or territory that is politically dependent on another

  Example

  The country became a vassal state of its former colonizer.

• vassalage

  the state of being a vassal or the relationship between a vassal and his lord

  Example

  The vassalage system was prevalent in medieval Europe.

• vassal knight

  a knight who held land from a superior lord and owed him military service

  Example

  The vassal knight was loyal to his lord and fought for him in battle.

Origins of vassal

from Old French 'vassel', from medieval Latin 'vassallus', meaning 'servant, domestic, slave'

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Summary: vassal in Brief

'Vassal' [ˈvæsəl] refers to a person or country in a subordinate position to another, often with feudal connotations. It can denote a tenant holding land on conditions of homage and allegiance, as well as a political entity dependent on another. Examples include 'The king's vassals were required to pay tribute.' and 'The vassal pledged loyalty to his lord.'