vassal

• Ein Lehnsmann, der vom Lehnsherrn Land (Lehen) erhielt und dafür Treue, Kriegsdienst und andere Pflichten schuldete; allgemein auch ein Untergebener oder Abhängiger.

A noun referring to a person who held land (a fief) from a feudal lord and in return owed allegiance, military service, and other duties.

1. Feudal landholderC1formal

   A person who held land (a fief) from a feudal lord in exchange for loyalty and military or other services.

   Vasall

   • The vassal swore an oath of fealty to his lord.
   • Knights often served as vassals to powerful nobles.
   • The king granted the land to his most trusted vassal.

   Synonymefeudatoryliegeliegemanmanretainertenant

2. Subordinate or dependentC2formal

   A person or entity that is subordinate to another, often in a position of dependence or servitude.

   Vasall

   • The smaller kingdom became a vassal of the empire.
   • In the corporate structure, the subsidiary acted as a vassal to the parent company.
   • He felt like a vassal to his demanding boss.

   Synonymedependenthenchmanlackeyminionretainerserfservantsubordinatethrallunderling

   Antonymeliegelordmasteroverlordsovereignsuperior