vassal
1 of 1noun/ˈvæsəl/
Forms:vassals
1
a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord in exchange for protection and land
- In medieval Europe, a vassal pledged loyalty and military support to their feudal lord in exchange for land and protection.
- As a vassal of the king, the knight was bound by oath to serve him in times of war and peace.
- The vassal's duties included providing troops for the lord's army and paying tribute in the form of crops or goods.
- A vassal's status was determined by their relationship with their lord, with some holding significant power and influence.
- The feudal system relied on the reciprocal obligations between lords and vassals to maintain order and stability in society.
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