vassal

• Sustantivo que designa a una persona que estaba bajo la protección de un señor feudal, a quien debía fidelidad, obediencia y servicios militares u otros a cambio de tierras o sustento; también se usa en sentido figurado para referirse a alguien subordinado, dependiente o sometido a otra persona o poder.

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.

   vasallo

   • 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.

   Sinónimosfeudatoryliegeliegemanmanretainertenant

2. Subordinate or dependentC2formal

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

   vasallo (subordinado o dependiente)

   • 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.

   Sinónimosdependenthenchmanlackeyminionretainerserfservantsubordinatethrallunderling

   Antónimosliegelordmasteroverlordsovereignsuperior