Vassal \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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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