Legal Definitions - vassalage

Definition: Vassalage refers to the relationship between a feudal lord and a vassal. The vassal owes loyalty and military service to the lord in exchange for land or protection. Vassalage was a common practice in medieval Europe.

Examples:

• A knight who received land from a lord in exchange for military service was a vassal.
• The lord who granted land to a vassal was the feudal superior.
• The land granted to a vassal was called a fief or fee.

The examples illustrate how vassalage worked in medieval Europe. A vassal was expected to provide military service to their lord in exchange for land or protection. This system helped to maintain order and stability in feudal society.