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vassal

vas·sal [ váss'l ] (plural vas·sals)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. dependent landholder in feudal society: somebody who gave loyalty and homage to a feudal lord and received the right to occupy the lord's land and be protected by him

2. slave: a bondman or slave

3. person or nation dependent on another: a person, nation, or group that is dependent on or subordinate to another

[14th century. Via French< medieval Latin vassallus< vassus "servant" < Celtic, "young man, squire"]

vas·sal adjective
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