vassal
vassal
noun vah-SAL Rare
Origin: Medieval Latin vassallus, of Celtic origin
Usage Note
Vassal refers to a feudal tenant who owed loyalty and service to a lord in exchange for land. Plural: vassaux. In modern usage it is used figuratively to describe any person or state in a subordinate or dependent relationship, as in un état vassal.
Examples
"Les vassaux devaient obéissance à leur seigneur."
Natural Translation
Vassals owed obedience to their lord.
Related Words
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