vassal
4 synonyms for vassal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In the feudal system, someone granted land by a lord in return for loyalty and service.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use vassal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
vassal state
vassal of the crown
a loyal vassal
Etymology
From Old French vassal, going back through Medieval Latin vassallus ("servant") to a Celtic word for a young man or squire.
Full origin of vassal →Frequently asked questions
What does “vassal” mean?
The word “vassal” means in the feudal system, someone granted land by a lord in return for loyalty and service. In plain terms, someone (or something) tied to serving and obeying a more powerful lord or power.
How do you pronounce “vassal”?
“Vassal” is pronounced VA-suhl (/ˈvæsəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “vassal” in a sentence?
Here is “vassal” used in a sentence: “The knight became a vassal of the duke, pledging military service in exchange for his estate.”
What part of speech is “vassal”?
Depending on how it is used, “vassal” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “vassal” come from?
The word “vassal” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French vassal, going back through Medieval Latin vassallus ("servant") to a Celtic word for a young man or squire.
How many meanings does “vassal” have?
“Vassal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in the feudal system, someone granted land by a lord in return for loyalty and service.
