Vassal

Pronunciation: /ˈvæsəl/

Definitions of vassal

noun a person or country in a subordinate position to a superior ruler or overlord

Example Sentences

A1 A vassal is a person who serves a lord in feudal times.

A2 The vassal swore loyalty to the king and promised to serve him.

B1 The vassal received land in exchange for military service.

B2 The vassal had to provide soldiers for the lord's army when called upon.

C1 The vassal had certain rights and responsibilities under the feudal system.

C2 The vassal's relationship with the lord was based on mutual obligations and benefits.

Examples of vassal in a Sentence

formal The vassal pledged allegiance to the lord in exchange for protection and land.

informal The vassal had to do whatever the lord asked in return for safety.

slang The vassal was basically the lord's sidekick, always following orders.

figurative In the corporate world, the CEO treated his assistant like a vassal, expecting complete loyalty and obedience.

Grammatical Forms of vassal

• past tense: vassaled
• plural: vassals
• comparative: more vassal
• superlative: most vassal
• present tense: vassals
• future tense: will vassal
• perfect tense: have vassaled
• continuous tense: is vassaling
• singular: vassal
• positive degree: vassal
• infinitive: to vassal
• gerund: vassaling
• participle: vassaled

Origin and Evolution of vassal

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'vassal' originated from the Latin word 'vassallus', which was derived from the Celtic word 'gwas', meaning servant or young man.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in feudal societies to refer to a person who served a lord in exchange for protection and land, the term 'vassal' has evolved to also mean a subordinate or someone in a position of dependency.