Vas″sal (?), n. [F., fr. LL. vassallus, vassus; of Celtic origin; cf. W. & Corn. gwas a youth, page, servant, Arm. gwaz a man, a male. Cf. Valet, Varlet, Vavasor.]
1. (Feud. Law) The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who holds land of a superior, and who vows fidelity and homage to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. Burrill.
2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a bondman; a slave. “The vassals of his anger.” Milton.
Rear vassal, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal.