vassalage

American  

[vas-uh-lij] / ˈvæs ə lɪdʒ /

noun

1. the state or condition of a vassal.

2. homage or service required of a vassal.

3. a territory held by a vassal.

4. vassals collectively.

5. dependence, subjection, or servitude.

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ˈvassalage British  

/ ˈvæsəlɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. the condition of being a vassal or the obligations to which a vassal was liable

   2. the relationship between a vassal and his lord

2. subjection, servitude, or dependence in general

3. rare vassals collectively

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Other Word Forms

• subvassalage noun

Etymology

Origin of vassalage

1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French; vassal, -age

Example Sentences

Moscow has also leaned heavily on China—further deepening what analysts already describe as an economic vassalage to its neighbor.

From The Wall Street Journal

While some Black Americans used the word “feudal,” others used related terms harkening back to the medieval world, including “vassalage,” “serfdom” and “Dark Age.”

From Salon

I was a discord in Gateshead Hall: I was like nobody there; I had nothing in harmony with Mrs. Reed or her children, or her chosen vassalage.

From Literature

"He would add," Madison wrote, "that domestic slavery is the most prominent feature in the aristocratic countenance of the proposed Constitution. The vassalage of the poor has ever been the favorite offspring of aristocracy."

From Salon

As Johnson would say, it will be vassalage.

From The Guardian

Related Words

• bondage
• confinement
• custody
• imprisonment
• incarceration
• slavery