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vassal

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The definition of a vassal was someone in feudal times who received protection and land from a lord in return for allegiance and performing military and other duties, or someone who is subordinate.

(noun)

An example of a vassal is a person who was given part of a lord's land and who pledged himself to that lord.
An example of a vassal is a subordinant or servant.

See vassal in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

in the Middle Ages, a person who held land under the feudal system, doing homage and pledging fealty to an overlord, and performing military or other duties in return for his protection; feudal tenant
a subordinate, subject, servant, slave, etc.

Origin: OFr < ML vassalus, manservant, extension of vassus, servant < Celt: for IE base see valet

adjective