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)See vassal in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
Origin: OFr < ML vassalus, manservant, extension of vassus, servant < Celt: for IE base see valet
adjective
See vassal in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Origin:
Origin: Middle English
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *vassallus
Origin: , from *vassus
Origin: , of Celtic origin; see upo in Indo-European roots
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