from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vassal \Vas"sal\, n. [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}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Feud. Law) The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who
holds land of a superior, and who vows fidelity and homage
to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. --Burrill.
[1913 Webster]
2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a bondman; a slave.
"The vassals of his anger." --Milton.
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{Rear vassal}, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal.
[1913 Webster]