Political Relationships

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

• The vassal pledged allegiance to the lord in exchange for protection and land.
• The vassal had to do whatever the lord asked in return for safety.
• The vassal was basically the lord's sidekick, always following orders.
• In the corporate world, the CEO treated his assistant like a vassal, expecting complete loyalty and obedience.

noun the obligations or services owed by a vassal to a feudal lord

• The lord granted vassalage to his loyal subjects in exchange for their service and loyalty.
• In the olden days, being in vassalage meant you had to work for the lord in return for protection.
• Back in the feudal times, vassalage was like being a boss's minion.
• The company's strict policies felt like vassalage, with employees having to follow every rule without question.