Vas"sal (?), n. [F., fr. LL. vassallus, vassus; of Celtic origin; cf. W. & Corn. gwas a youth, page, servant, Arm. gwaz a man, a male. Cf. Valet, Varlet, Vavasor.]
1. Feud.Law
The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who holds land of superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant.
Burrill.
2.
A subject; a dependent; a servant; a slave.
"The
vassals of his anger."
Milton.
Rear vassal, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal.
© Webster 1913.
Vas"sal, a.
Resembling a vassal; slavish; servile.
The sun and every vassal star.
Keble.
© Webster 1913.
Vas"sal, v. t.
To treat as a vassal; to subject to control; to enslave.
[Obs.]
Beau. & Fl.
© Webster 1913.