Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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}.]
   1. (Feud. Law) The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who
      holds land of superior, and who vows fidelity and homage
      to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. --Burrill.

   2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a slave. ``The vassals
      of his anger.'' --Milton.

   {Rear vassal}, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal.