VASSALRY Meaning and
Definition
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Vassalry refers to a system or state of being a vassal, which involves a reciprocal relationship between two individuals or entities, commonly prevalent in medieval feudal societies. In this context, a vassal is an individual who pledges loyalty, homage, and service to a higher-ranking lord or superior. In return, the lord provides protection, land, and certain privileges to the vassal. Vassalry forms the basis of the feudal relationship, where hierarchical structures are established, with each vassal owing allegiance to a superior lord.
Under vassalry, a vassal is obliged to render military service, financial contributions, or other forms of assistance to their lord, typically during times of conflict or in defense of the lord's interests. Furthermore, vassals are often granted land or fiefs, which they manage and control on behalf of the lord, with certain obligations of their own towards the land and its occupants. This arrangement allowed lords to consolidate power and maintain control over vast territories, while also providing a means for vassals to secure their own economic and social status.
Vassalry is characterized by a hierarchical structure, where the lord-vassal relationship is defined by mutual obligations and reciprocal duties. It represents a central component of feudal society, shaping the political, economic, and social dynamics of the time. Though vassalry is primarily associated with the medieval period, similar systems can be observed throughout history in various regions and cultures.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for VASSALRY
- cassalry
- bassalry
- gassalry
- fassalry
- vzssalry
- vsssalry
- vwssalry
- vqssalry
- vaasalry
- vazsalry
- vaxsalry
- vadsalry
- vaesalry
- vawsalry
- vasaalry
- vaszalry
- vasxalry
- vasdalry
- vasealry
- vaswalry
Etymology of VASSALRY
The word "vassalry" is derived from the term "vassal", which comes from the Old French word "vassal" and the Latin word "vassus". In the Middle Ages, a vassal was a person of lower social status who pledged loyalty and military service to a more powerful lord or noble. The term "vassus" in Latin originally referred to a servant or a slave. Over time, it evolved to denote a person who owed allegiance to a feudal lord in exchange for protection and land. The suffix "-ry" is added to "vassal" to form the noun "vassalry", which refers to the collective body of vassals or the social system built upon vassalage.
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