See Also: vassal(medicine)
vassal(1)(dictionary)
vassal(2)(dictionary)
vassal(dictionary)
rear-vassal(dictionary)
VASSAL, feudal law(law)

buran (iou) and vassal(1) (iou)


buran (iou)



buran noun. ['bu:rɑ:n] M19.
[Russian from Turkic boran.]
In the steppes, a snowstorm, esp. one accompanied by high winds; a blizzard.

vassal(1) (iou)



vassal noun & adjective. LME.
[Old & mod. French from medieval Latin vassallus manservant, retainer, of Celtic origin, the related form vassus (see VAVASOUR) corresp. to Gaulish -vassus in personal names, Breton goaz, Welsh gwas, Irish foss.]
A. noun.
1. Hist. In the feudal system, a person holding lands from a superior on condition of homage and allegiance; a feudatory; a tenant in fee. LME.
great vassal a vassal who held land directly from the monarch. REAR-VASSAL.
2. A person holding a position similar or comparable to that of a feudal vassal; esp. (arch.) a humble servant or subordinate, a person devoted to the service of another. L15.
b. A person who is completely subject to some influence. Foll. by of, to. arch. E17.
3. A base or abject person; a slave. arch. E16.
B. adjective.
1. Hist. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a vassal. L16.
2. Having the status or character of a vassal; subordinate, subject, (to). Chiefly fig. arch. L16.
vassaldom noun (rare) = VASSALAGE 3 L19.
vassaless noun (rare) a female vassal L16.
vassalic adjective (rare) of or pertaining to vassals or vassalage; feudal: L19.
vassalize verb trans. (now rare) = VASSAL verb L16.
vassalship noun (rare) = VASSALAGE 3 L16.