vassalage

[vas-uh-lij]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR vassalage ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the state or condition of a vassal.

homage or service required of a vassal.

a territory held by a vassal.

vassals collectively.

dependence, subjection, or servitude.

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. 2019

Related Words for vassalage

serfdom, enslavement, bondage, subjugation, labor, servitude, captivity, imprisonment, slavery, incarceration, confinement, custody, thralldom, thrall, obedience, yoke, subjection, peonage, bonds, vassalage

Examples from the Web for vassalage

Historical Examples of vassalage

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.
Historical Tales, Vol. 9 (of 15)
Charles Morris
This is tantamount to proclaiming a form of vassalage—a thing which is not to be tolerated.
The Cult of Incompetence
Emile Faguet
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

(esp in feudal society)

the condition of being a vassal or the obligations to which a vassal was liable
the relationship between a vassal and his lord

subjection, servitude, or dependence in general

rare vassals collectively

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

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