Webster's English Dictionary

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vassal

vas.sal \'vas-*l\ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. ML vassallus, fr. vassus servant, 
   vassal, of Celt]origin; akin to W gwas boy, servant 1: a person under the 
   protection of another who is his feudal lord and to w hom he has vowed 
   homage and fealty : a feudal tenant 2: one in a subservient or subordinate 
   position  - vassal aj