vassal
noun
[ ˈvas(ə)l ]
• a holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance.
Similar:
villein,
liege,
liegeman,
man,
bondsman,
vavasour,
serf,
helot,
slave,
thrall,
subject,
Origin:
late Middle English: via Old French from medieval Latin vassallus ‘retainer’, of Celtic origin; compare with vavasour.
