Spanish Conversation · Level 81
60 words
Spanish word
vasallo
Pronunciation
IPA/baˈsaʝo/
Meaning
- masculine nounvassal
Example
En la Edad Media, un vasallo juró lealtad a su señor.
In the Middle Ages, a vassal swore loyalty to his lord.
More examples
En el debate, acusaron al candidato de ser un vasallo de las grandes empresas.
In the debate, the candidate was accused of being a vassal of big corporations.
Core concept
Feudal dependent bound by oath to a lord.
Common phrases
ser vasallo de alguien
be someone's vassal
vasallo moderno
contemporary vassal
Similar words
siervo: Rural serf attached to the land, compelled to provide labor, rents, or services to the lord.
cliente: Person in a patron-client tie who relies on a stronger figure for help or backing.
súbdito: Subject of a state or sovereign who lives under its rule and must obey its laws and rulers.
Definition in Spanish
Persona subordinada a un señor que recibe de él protección, tierras o cargos a cambio de servicios y fidelidad.
Word origin
Borrowed through Old French vassal from medieval Latin vassallus and ultimately from a Germanic word for "young man" or "servant", it came to mean one bound to a lord by service and fidelity.
Usage tips
- In contemporary Spanish the word is uncommon in casual speech and often carries a negative or literary tone when used metaphorically.