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vassal

vassal

noun vah-SAL Rare

Origin: Medieval Latin vassallus, of Celtic origin

Usage Note

Vassal refers to a feudal tenant who owed loyalty and service to a lord in exchange for land. Plural: vassaux. In modern usage it is used figuratively to describe any person or state in a subordinate or dependent relationship, as in un état vassal.

Examples

"Les vassaux devaient obéissance à leur seigneur."

Natural Translation

Vassals owed obedience to their lord.

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