Legal Definitions - vassallo et quibus dederit

Term: Vassallo et quibus dederit
Definition: Vassallo et quibus dederit is a Latin phrase that was used in feudal grants. It means that the vassal (a person who held land from a lord in return for loyalty and military service) could give the land to someone else, and that person would also become a vassal. This phrase was important because it allowed the vassal to transfer the land to someone else without the lord's permission. Example: If a lord granted land to a vassal with the phrase "vassallo et quibus dederit," and the vassal later gave the land to his son, the son would become a vassal of the lord as well. This meant that the lord would have to provide protection and support to the son, just as he did for the original vassal. Another example would be if the vassal gave the land to a friend or ally. The friend or ally would also become a vassal of the lord, and would owe loyalty and military service in exchange for the land. Overall, the phrase "vassallo et quibus dederit" allowed for the transfer of land from one vassal to another, and ensured that the lord would continue to receive loyalty and military service from whoever held the land.