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vassal definition

vas·sal (vas′əl)

noun

  1. 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
  2. a subordinate, subject, servant, slave, etc.

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

adjective

  1. of or like a vassal; dependent, servile, etc.
  2. being a vassal

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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