Vassal

Vassal

A vassal, in Euro-centric mediaeval terminology, through homage and fealty became a dependant on or a partisan of a lord. A bondman; one who holds land of a superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. --Burrill.

A subject or servant; one who is dependent upon or enslaved to another.

"The vassals of his anger."--Milton.

Resembling a slave or subordinate

"The sun and every vassal star." --Keble.

One who is subject to the command of his Lord or superior .

Types of vassal:

vavasour

See also:

gokenin (vassals of the shogunate in Japan)