Vassal (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun
  1. (in the feudal system) a person granted the use of land, in return for rendering homage, fealty, and usually military service or its equivalent to a lord or other superior; feudal tenant.
  2. a person holding some similar relation to a superior; a subject, subordinate, follower, or retainer.
  3. a servant or slave.
adjective
  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a vassal.
  2. having the status or position of a vassal.
noun
  1. (in feudal society) a man who entered into a personal relationship with a lord to whom he paid homage and fealty in return for protection and often a fief. A great vassal was in vassalage to a king and a rear vassal to a great vassal
    • a person, nation, etc, in a subordinate, suppliant, or dependent position relative to another
    • (as modifier)
adjective
  1. of or relating to a vassal
Vassal (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

More Definitions