vassal

vas·sal  (vsl)

n.

1. A person who held land from a feudal lord and received protection in return for homage and allegiance.

2. A bondman; a slave.

3. A subordinate or dependent.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *vassallus, from *vassus, of Celtic origin; see upo in Indo-European roots.]

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vassal

Noun

1. (in feudal society) a man who gave military service to a lord in return for protection and often land

2. a person, nation, or state dominated by another [Medieval Latin vassus servant]

vassalage n

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

vassal - a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord feudatory, liege, liege subject, liegeman follower - a person who accepts the leadership of another

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vassal

noun serf, slave, bondsman, subject, retainer, thrall, varlet (archaic) bondservant, liegeman