'Rear vassal' definitions:

Definition of 'Rear vassal'

From: GCIDE
  • Vassal \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.] [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a bondman; a slave. "The vassals of his anger." --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Rear vassal, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal. [1913 Webster]