vassal
Meaning: In the feudal system, a person who held land from a lord in exchange for military service and allegiance; more broadly, a subordinate or dependent person or state.
Vassalage was a cornerstone of medieval European society, establishing hierarchical relationships of obligation and protection. A vassal owed military service, counsel, and loyalty to their lord, who in turn provided land and protection. In modern usage, 'vassal state' describes a country that is politically subordinate to another, lacking true sovereignty. The term often carries a pejorative connotation of servility.
Examples
- Under the feudal system, a vassal who failed to fulfil his military obligations risked forfeiting his land. 在封建制度下,未能履行军事义务的封臣面临被没收土地的风险。Bajo el sistema feudal, un vasallo que no cumpliera sus obligaciones militares se arriesgaba a perder sus tierras.封建制度の下では、軍事的義務を果たさなかった封臣は土地を没収される危険がありました。봉건 제도 하에서 군사적 의무를 이행하지 못한 봉신은 토지를 몰수당할 위험이 있었습니다.
- Critics described the small nation as little more than a vassal state, controlled by its powerful neighbour. 批评者认为这个小国不过是一个附庸国,被其强大的邻国所控制。Los críticos describieron a la pequeña nación como poco más que un Estado vasallo, controlado por su poderoso vecino.批判者たちは、その小国を強力な隣国に支配された従属国にすぎないと評しました。비판자들은 그 소국을 강력한 이웃 나라에 지배당하는 속국에 불과하다고 평했습니다.
- The vassal swore an oath of fealty to his lord during an elaborate public ceremony. 封臣在一场精心策划的公开仪式上向领主宣誓效忠。El vasallo juró un voto de fidelidad a su señor durante una elaborada ceremonia pública.封臣は精巧な公開儀式の中で領主に忠誠の誓いを立てました。봉신은 정교한 공개 의식에서 영주에게 충성 서약을 했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin vassallus (feudal tenant), from Gaulish Celtic vassos (servant, young man). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French vassal.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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