vassal
noun
(in the feudal system) a person granted the use of land, in return for rendering homage, fealty, and usually military service or its equivalent to a lord or other superior; feudal tenant.
vassals
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pluralof vassal.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I’ll note that the demon is a more honest and fair negotiator than his vassals, who occasionally cheat and are punished in exactly the way you’re hoping to see.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2026
Because of our past forays, these knights have long been vassals without lords.
From New York Times ● Jun. 18, 2024
The vassals have a duty to give honest advice, and their advice is that this course of action is madness.
From New York Times ● Apr. 9, 2024
“But if you read between the lines, that’s what it means—these were vassals, probably of Tikal directly and Teotihuacán indirectly.”
From National Geographic ● Jan. 26, 2024
Behind them in long swift lines came all their vassals from the northern mountains, speeding on a gathering wind.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
