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

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 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

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

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar

Upon this gong the vavasor struck three times with a hammer which hung on a post close by.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar

Then, very joyful, he passed on a little farther until he saw reclining upon some steps a vavasor 17 well on in years.

From Four Arthurian Romances by Comfort, William Wistar