vassalage Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of a serf
    serfhood; serfdom.

WordNet

Vas"sal*age noun
Etymology
OE. vassalage, F. vasselage, LL. vassallaticum.
Definitions
  1. The state of being a vassal, or feudatory.
  2. Political servitude; dependence; subjection; slavery; as, the Greeks were held in vassalage by the Turks.
  3. A territory held in vassalage. "The Countship of Foix, with six territorial vassalages." Milman.
  4. Vassals, collectively; vassalry. R. Shak.
  5. Valorous service, such as that performed by a vassal; valor; prowess; courage. Obs. Chaucer.

Webster 1913