Category:Vassal

Vas"sal, n. Etym: [f., fr. Ll. vassallus, vassus; of celtic origin; Cf. W. & corn. gwas a youth, page, servant, arm. gwaz a man, a male. Cf. Valet, varlet, vavasor.]

1. (feud. Law)

Defn: the grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who holds land of Superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a Feudal tenant. Burrill.

2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a slave. "the vassals of his Anger." Milton. Rear vassal, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere Vassal.

Vassal Vas"sal, a.

Defn: resembling a vassal; slavish; servile. The sun and every vassal star. Keble.

Vassal Vas"sal, v. t.

Defn: to treat as a vassal; to subject to control; to enslave. [obs.] Beau. & fl.