\Vas"sal\, n. [F., fr. LL. vassallus, vassus; of Celtic
origin; cf. W. & Corn. gwas a youth, page, servant, Arm. gwaz
a man, a male. Cf. {Valet}, {Varlet}, {Vavasor}.]
1. (Feud. Law) The grantee of a fief, feud, or fee; one who
   holds land of superior, and who vows fidelity and homage
   to him; a feudatory; a feudal tenant. --Burrill.
2. A subject; a dependent; a servant; a slave. ``The vassals
   of his anger.'' --Milton.
{Rear vassal}, the vassal of a vassal; an arriere vassal.

\Vas"sal\, a.
Resembling a vassal; slavish; servile.
      The sun and every vassal star.           --Keble.

\Vas"sal\, v. t.
To treat as a vassal; to subject to control; to enslave.
[Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.