vassalage
[
vas
-
uh
-lij]
/ˈvæs ə lɪdʒ/
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.
Origin
1275-1325;
Middle English
<
Middle French;
see
vassal
,
-age
Related forms
subvassalage,
noun
British Dictionary definitions for
vassalage
vassalage
/
ˈvæsəlɪdʒ
/
noun
1.
(
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
2.
subjection, servitude, or dependence in general
3.
(
rare
) vassals collectively
Word Origin and History for
vassalage
n.
c.1300, from Old French
vassalage
, from
vassal
(see
vassal
).