Vassalage: meaning, definitions and examples
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vassalage
[ ˈvæsəlɪdʒ ]
feudal system
Vassalage refers to the relationship between a lord and a vassal in the feudal system, characterized by mutual obligations. In this arrangement, a vassal provides military service and loyalty to the lord in exchange for land or protection. This system was prevalent in medieval Europe and played a crucial role in the social and political structure of that time. The bond of vassalage was formalized through ceremonies and oaths, which established the expectations and duties between the two parties.
Synonyms
fealty, servitude, subservience.
Examples of usage
- The vassalage system created a hierarchy of power.
- He owed his allegiance due to the vassalage he was tied to.
- Vassalage was a common practice in medieval times.
Translations
Translations of the word "vassalage" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vassalagem
🇮🇳 वसालाज
🇩🇪 Vasallität
🇮🇩 vassalase
🇺🇦 васалітет
🇵🇱 wasalstwo
🇯🇵 家臣制度
🇫🇷 vassalité
🇪🇸 vasallaje
🇹🇷 vasallık
🇰🇷 봉신제도
🇸🇦 التبعية
🇨🇿 vazalský vztah
🇸🇰 vasalstvo
🇨🇳 附庸关系
🇸🇮 vasalstvo
🇮🇸 vassalakerfi
🇰🇿 вассалдық
🇬🇪 ვასალობა
🇦🇿 vassallıq
🇲🇽 vasallaje
Etymology
The term 'vassalage' derives from the Old French word 'vassal', which itself comes from the Latin 'vassallus', meaning 'servant' or 'young man'. The concept of vassalage emerged during the early Middle Ages, becoming intricately linked to the feudal system that dominated Europe from the 9th to the 15th century. As territories were fragmented and rulers needed military support to defend their lands, the relationship between lords and vassals became formalized. Vassals, who were often lesser nobles or knights, would swear an oath of fealty to their lords, pledging loyalty in exchange for protection and land. This mutual dependency shaped the socio-political landscape of medieval societies, creating a network of loyalties that extended beyond personal relationships into the realms of governance and warfare.