• A vassal in the terminology that preceded and accompanied the feudalism of medieval Europe, who enters into mutual obligations with a monarch, usually of military support and mutual protection, in exchange for certain guarantees, which came to include the terrain held as a fief. By analogy it is applied to similar systems in other feudal societies.

• It was always distinct from fidelitas, sworn loyalty of subject to king, and the honor, the respect and consideration that accrued to the vassal, unlike the delegated power of a comes or count, was not expressed in expectations of related public duty.