n.1 hist. a holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance.
2 rhet. a humble dependant.
Derivatives:
vassalage n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. med.L vassallus retainer, of Celt. orig.: the root vassus corresp. to OBret. uuas, Welsh gwas, Ir. foss: cf. VAVASOUR