vassal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Being a happy vassal is one thing. Being a miserable slave is something else,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2026

Fealty in medieval Europe was an oath of fidelity in which the vassal pledged not to harm his lord or damage to his property.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2023

When asked if Laos is at risk of becoming a vassal state, Mr Menon said "that ship has sailed".

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2023

Shaipov said Muscovy inherited its political culture not from Europe, but from the Mongol Empire of which it had long been a vassal.

From Salon • Jul. 29, 2023

Territorial empires are tightly controlled but costly to maintain; hegemonic empires are inexpensive to maintain, because the original local rulers incur the costs of administration, but the loose tie between master and vassal encourages rebellion.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann