Vassal - Definition and Overview

A vassal, in European medieval feudalism terminology, is one who through a commendation ceremony (composed of homage and fealty) enters into mutual obligations with a lord, usually military conscription and mutual protection, in exchange for a fief.

A bondman; one who holds land of a superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. --Burrill.

A subject or servant; one who is dependent upon or enslaved to another.

"The vassals of his anger."--Milton.

Resembling a slave or subordinate

"The sun and every vassal star." --Keble.

One who is subject to the command of his Lord or superior .

Types of vassal:

• vavasour

See also

• Feudalism
• gokenin (vassals of the shogunate in Japan)