vassalage

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   historical: the condition, obligations, or tenure of a vassal under a feudal lord

   The knight entered vassalage by swearing loyalty and military service to the lord.

2. 2
   noun

   a condition of subjection, servitude, or dependent obedience

   Jane rejected the emotional vassalage expected of her in the Reed household.

Borrowed from Old French vassalage, from vassal. It first denoted a vassal's feudal status, land tenure, and obligations of loyalty and service. Figurative use broadened the word to any condition of dependent obedience or subjection.

Topics