vassal
The grantee of a fief, a subordinate granted use of a superior's land and its income…The grantee of a fief, a subordinate granted use of a superior's land and its income in exchange for vows of fidelity and homage and (typically) military service.
» The suzerainty agreement gave the ruling state authority over its vassal.
Meaning
3 senses(historical)The grantee of a fief, a subordinate granted use of a superior's land and its income in exchange for vows of fidelity and homage and (typically) military service.
Vasall, Lehnsmann, Gefolgsmann
васса́лvassál
васа́лvasál
(historical)Any direct subordinate bound by such vows to a superior.
The king ordered his vassals to join him on the crusade unless they had a written note signed by the archbishop or pope.
Vasall, Gefolgsmann, Lakai
васса́лvassál
(figuratively)Any subordinate bound by similar close ties.
- a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
Examples
4 sentencesThe suzerainty agreement gave the ruling state authority over its vassal.
In this sense, it is said that a vassal must be faithful and loyal to his lord.
Europe today is a political vassal of the USA.
ruЕвропа сегодня — политический вассал США.
The Kremlin should go find some other country to bother besides Ukraine, like the many vassals it already has.
Translations
8 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 1
By meaning 2
Origin
From Middle English vassal, from Old French vassal, from Medieval Latin vassallus (“manserFrom Middle English vassal, from Old French vassal, from Medieval Latin vassallus (“manservant, domestic, retainer”), from Latin vassus (“servant”), from Gaulish *wassos (“young man, squire”), from Proto-Celtic *wastos (“servant”) (compare Old Irish foss and Welsh gwas).
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