Middle English Dictionary Entry
vassal n.
Entry Info
| Forms | vassal n. Pl. vassal(l)es. |
| Etymology | OF; also cp. ML vassal(l)us. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A feudal retainer, esp. one who is obliged to render military service;
(b) a servant to one’s beloved, professed lover;
(c) as surname.
Associated quotations
a
- (1443) Reg.Spofford in Cant.Yk.S.23252 : Oure adversary of France and his…son…with…thassistance…of thoo…that oure said adversary calleth his vassalles and subjects…maken…unto us…myghty werre.
- a1450-1509 Rich.(Brunner)3389 : Alle þey are douȝty vassales, Kynges sones and amyrales…þe beste doande…in alle Sarezyn land.
b
- c1500 Melusine (Roy 18.B.2)163/36 : Damoyselle…I beseche you that ye vouchesaf…to call me ofte in your remembraunce, For, as to my part, your vassall & seruaunt shal I euer be vnder the standart of your gouernance.
c
- (1166) in Hearne Liber N.Scac.(1728)236 : Godefridus Grosuassal.
- (1202) in Reaney Dict.Br.Surnames362 : Hugo Vassall’.
- (1221) Justice in Eyre R.in Seld.Soc.531207 : Henricum Vassal.
- (1242-3) Bk.of Fees758 : Willelmi Vassal.