Vassaux (en. Vassals)

/vɑ.so/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Individual bound by a pact of loyalty to a lord within the framework of feudalism.

The vassals of the kings had military obligations towards their lord.

Les vassaux des rois avaient des obligations militaires envers leur suzerain.

Person who receives protection and land in exchange for services.

A vassal had to provide soldiers to his lord in times of war.

Un vassal devait fournir des soldats à son seigneur en temps de guerre.

Lord whose vassals are supposed to pay him homage.

The lord was proud of the vassals who pledged allegiance to him.

Le seigneur était fier des vassaux qui lui prêtaient allégeance.

The word 'vassal' comes from the Latin 'vassalus', which means 'serf' or 'servant'.

to vassalize a territory

To impose feudal domination over a territory.

vassaliser un territoire

homage from the vassals

Ceremony where the vassals acknowledge their dependence on a lord.

hommage des vassaux

vassalage

State of a vassal, relationship of dependence towards a lord.

vassalité

lord

Superior lord in a feudal relationship.

suzerain

feudalism

Socio-economic system based on dependency relationships between lords and vassals.

féodalisme

allegiance

Loyalty or fidelity of a vassal towards his lord.

allégeance

A vassal can be used to refer to someone submissive or obedient.

Don't be a vassal, make your own decisions.

Ne sois pas un vassal, prends tes propres décisions.

In a pejorative sense, it can refer to someone who relies on others.

Stop being a vassal, start contributing.

Cesse d'être un vassal, commence à contribuer.