vassals

Noun

vassal (plural vassals)

1. (historical) The grantee of a fief, a subordinate granted use of a superior's land and its income in exchange for vows of fidelity and homage and (typically) military service.
   • The manor's vassals owed first fruits and a tithe to the parish church, another 10% to the lord (including at least 50 eels), a week or two each year of service in the manor's upkeep, and service in the local fyrd.

   Synonyms:

   feudatory, feudal tenant

2. (historical) Any direct subordinate bound by such vows to a superior.
   • The king ordered his vassals to join him on the crusade unless they had a written note signed by the archbishop or pope.

   Synonyms:

   subject, dependant, bondsman, villein, serf, helot, thrall, servant, slave

3. (figuratively) Any subordinate bound by similar close ties.
   • The vassals of his anger.1667, John Milton, “Book II”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished...

See all 6 meanings of vassal