VASAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Vassal, also spelled as "vasal," was a term widely used in the feudal system to describe a person who held a subordinate position in a hierarchical structure, particularly in relation to landownership and political obligations. The origins of the word can be traced back to the Latin word "vassus," meaning servant or slave.
In the feudal system, a vassal was an individual who pledged allegiance to a lord or monarch, known as their suzerain or overlord. In exchange for the land granted by the lord, the vassal owed various forms of service and loyalty. This could include military support, financial contributions, and advice to the lord. The vassal was expected to provide such services when requested or as agreed upon in their feudal contract.
As a vassal, one held a specific social and legal position within the feudal society. They were granted certain rights and protections under the feudal law and enjoyed the use and income from the land they controlled. However, the ultimate authority and ownership of the land remained with the lord.
The concept of vassalage played a crucial role in medieval Europe, forging intricate relationships of mutual dependency and hierarchy among nobles and the ruling class. Though the feudal system eventually declined, the idea of vassalage continued to exert significant influence in understanding medieval society and its structures.
-
Relating to a vas or to vasa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VASAL
- vessal
- vesel
- vassle
- vasel
- vassal
- vassall
- vqsal
- vazal
- vaxal
- vaszl
- vaswl
- vasql
- gvasal
- vgasal
- fvasal
- vfasal
- vzasal
- vwasal
- vqasal
- vasazl
Etymology of VASAL
The word "vassal" derives from the Old French term "vassal" or "vassau", which was pronounced /vassɑl/ in Middle French. It ultimately comes from the Late Latin word "vassus", which means "servant" or "slave". The Latin word itself is believed to have originated from a Celtic language, as it is related to the Old Irish word "fáith", meaning "poet" or "seer", and the Welsh word "gwawd", meaning "bard" or "poet". In the early medieval period, the term "vassal" referred to a person who was legally bound to serve another, typically a lord or a noble, in exchange for protection or land. Over time, the word's meaning evolved to encompass a broader range of feudal relationships.
Similar spelling words for VASAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
