Legal Definitions - vassus

Definition: Vassus (pronounced vas-uh s) is a term from Law Latin that refers to a feudal tenant who held land directly from the king.

Example: In medieval Europe, a vassus was a nobleman who pledged loyalty and military service to the king in exchange for land and protection.

Explanation: The vassus was an important figure in the feudal system, which was a social and economic structure that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages. The vassus was a tenant who held land directly from the king, and in return, he was expected to provide military service and other forms of support to the king. This relationship was based on mutual obligations and was an important part of the political and economic system of the time.