vavasor

American  

[vav-uh-sawr, -sohr] / ˈvæv əˌsɔr, -ˌsoʊr /

Also vavasour

noun

1. (in the feudal system) a vassal ranking just below a baron.

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vavasor British  

/ ˈvævəˌsʊə, ˈvævəˌsɔː /

noun

1. Also: vavassor.  (in feudal society) the noble or knightly vassal of a baron or great lord who also has vassals himself

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Etymology

Origin of vavasor

1300–50; Middle English vavasour < Old French, perhaps contraction of Medieval Latin vassus vassōrum vassal of vassals; vassal

Example Sentences

The middle thane was feudal, but not honorary; he was also called a vavasor, and his lands a vavasory, which held of some mesne lord, and not immediately of the King.

From The Commonwealth of Oceana by Harrington, James

There can nothing be said of the harness because of the dire poverty with which the vavasor was afflicted.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar

Ladies and knights were gathered there, and the vavasor was glad at heart.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar

When he asked for news of the vavasor and his lady, of his own father and of his kingdom, the report they gave him was good and fair.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar

The vavasor had only one man-servant, and no maid for chamber or kitchen work.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar