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vassalage

[vas-uh-lij]
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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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Origin of vassalage

1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French; see vassal, -age
Related formssub·vas·sal·age, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for vassalage

Historical Examples

  • The vassalage of the poor has ever been the favorite offspring of Aristocracy.

    The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918

    Various

  • They did not propose, if they could avoid it, to be forced into vassalage to the Swedes.

  • This is tantamount to proclaiming a form of vassalage—a thing which is not to be tolerated.

  • The great mass of inhabitants were kept in a state of servitude and vassalage.

    Hannibal

    Jacob Abbott

  • Week after week went by, and we were kept in a state of vassalage.

    The Two Supercargoes

    W.H.G. Kingston

British Dictionary definitions for vassalage

vassalage

noun
  1. (esp in feudal society)
    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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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for vassalage

n.

c.1300, from Old French vassalage, from vassal (see vassal).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper