Meaning & use

vassal

noun·Advanced

In feudal society, a person granted land by a lord in exchange for loyalty, service, or military support.

See it in a sentence

The vassal pledged his sword to the king in return for protection and land.

Weaker states became mere vassals of the larger empire, paying yearly tribute.

A note on using this word

Vassal is now often used figuratively for a country or group that is politically or economically dependent on a more powerful one.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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