n.
Pronunciation: ' va-s ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin vassallus, from vassus servant, vassal, of Celtic origin; akin to W gwas young man, servant
Date: 14th century
1 : a person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty : a feudal tenant
2 : one in a subservient or subordinate position
– vassal adjective