Definition

A person who is under the protection of a lord in a feudal system, usually in exchange for loyalty and service.

Example

In medieval times, a vassal would pledge loyalty to a lord in return for land and protection.

Conversation

Did you know that in medieval times, a lord had many vassals?

Yeah, I read that they would get land in exchange for loyalty.

Exactly! It was a whole system of protection and service among them.

It sounds fascinating how those relationships worked back then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vassal → The word originates from Old French *vassal*, meaning a servant or a young man, which in turn comes from the Latin *vassus*, meaning a servant or a slave. A vassal is a person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in exchange for land or protection.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'servant' ('vassus') who has a special relationship with a lord, which helps you remember that a vassal is someone who serves a higher authority in exchange for land or protection.

Visually Confused Words