Vassal: meaning, definitions and examples

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vassal

[ˈvæsəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medieval times

A person who was granted land by a feudal lord in return for loyalty and service.

Synonyms

feudal subject, liege, serf.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vassal	Used to describe someone who owes allegiance to a feudal lord, usually in a medieval or historical context. The vassal pledged his loyalty to the king During the ceremony, the vassal received land in return for military service
feudal subject	Refers broadly to someone under the authority of a feudal lord. Typically used when discussing medieval history and the social hierarchy of that time. The feudal subjects lived in small villages and worked the land for the lord In the feudal system, the king's authority was upheld by the loyalty of countless feudal subjects
liege	Typically used to describe a relationship of fealty between a lord and their most loyal subjects. It can also imply a mutual obligation of support. The knight swore to be a loyal liege to his lord He remained a liege even when the kingdom was under siege
serf	Specifically describes a peasant within the feudal system who is bound to the land and subject to the will of the landowner. Often used to highlight their lower social status and lack of freedom, sometimes with a negative connotation. The serf toiled in the fields from dawn to dusk Unlike a vassal, a serf had very few rights and could not leave the lord's estate without permission

Examples of usage

The vassal pledged allegiance to his lord.
The vassal provided military support to his lord in times of war.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A person who is subordinate to another; a servant or slave.

Synonyms

servant, slave, subordinate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vassal	This word is typically used in historical or fantasy contexts to describe a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord in exchange for protection and land. The king summoned his vassals to discuss the kingdom's defense. In the medieval novel, the vassal pledged his loyalty to the baron.
subordinate	Subordinate is generally used in professional or hierarchical contexts to describe someone who is lower in rank or position. The term is neutral and can be used in both formal and casual settings. The manager gave clear instructions to his subordinates. As a new employee, she took on a subordinate role in the team.
servant	Servant is used to describe someone who performs duties for an employer, especially in a household. It does not inherently carry a negative connotation. The wealthy family employed a servant to help with household chores. She worked as a servant in the mayor's mansion.
slave	This word carries a very negative connotation and is used to describe a person who is owned by another person and deprived of their freedom. It is often used in historical contexts or to underscore severe exploitation. The tragic history of the American South includes the story of many enslaved people.

Examples of usage

The CEO treated his employees as vassals, expecting unquestioning obedience.
She felt like a vassal to her demanding boss.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'vassal' comes from the medieval Latin word 'vassallus', meaning 'servant' or 'slave'.
In the feudal system, which flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages, vassals received land from a lord in exchange for military service.
Vassals were part of a complex social hierarchy, serving not just their immediate lord but also acknowledging higher lords, often leading to intricate alliances.

Political Science

The concept of vassalage illustrates the principles of feudalism, where land ownership and loyalty shaped political power.
Modern political theories sometimes reference the vassal-lord dynamic to describe relationships between states, especially in discussions of dominance and independence.
Historically, the relationship between lords and vassals set the groundwork for future legal systems regarding property and loyalty.

Literature

Vassals appear in various epic tales, such as 'The Song of Roland', showcasing their bravery and loyalty in battles.
In literature, vassals often symbolize the struggles of loyalty versus personal ambition, as seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Henry IV'.
The character dynamics involving vassals in fantasy series, like 'A Game of Thrones', reflect their historical importance in storytelling.

Cultural Influence

Vassal relationships influenced the arts, as many medieval paintings depicted feudal scenes showing the bonds between lords and vassals.
Modern games and role-playing scenarios often incorporate vassal systems to enhance storytelling and strategy, reflecting their historical significance.
In folk tales, vassal characters can represent moral lessons about duty, bravery, and loyalty, which resonate with audiences even today.

Translations

Translations of the word "vassal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vasallo

🇮🇳 वसाल

🇩🇪 Vasall

🇮🇩 vassal

🇺🇦 васал

🇵🇱 wasal

🇯🇵 家臣

🇫🇷 vassal

🇪🇸 vasallo

🇹🇷 vassal

🇰🇷 봉신

🇸🇦 تابع

🇨🇿 vazal

🇸🇰 vazal

🇨🇳 附庸

🇸🇮 vasal

🇮🇸 vassal

🇰🇿 вассал

🇬🇪 ვასალი

🇦🇿 vassal

🇲🇽 vasallo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,119, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18116 smoker
18117 coking
18118 mango
18119 vassal
18120 prosaic
18121 superannuation
18122 scorned
...