Thomas Bulfinch

The other classes of which society was composed were, first, freemen, owners of small portions of land, independent, though they sometimes voluntarily became the vassals of their more opulent neighbors, whose power was necessary for their protection.

American Writer

Jacob Rees-Mogg

If we say to the E.U. our backstop position is that we will be the vassal state, why should the E.U. make any effort to make any arrangement other than us to be a vassal state?

English Politician

Felix Adler

No religion can long continue to maintain its purity when the church becomes the subservient vassal of the state.

German Educator

The term is outdated and rarely used in daily conversation, but you might encounter it in historical contexts.

Archaic Use

'Vassal' implies a clear hierarchy; the vassal is always lower in status than the lord.

Hierarchy Implication

'Vassal' is closely tied to the feudal system, so it's often used in discussions about medieval history.

Feudal System

'Vassal' in modern context refers to political influence rather than personal servitude.

Political Influence

A modern-day vassal state has limited sovereignty, often dictated by the controlling country.

Sovereignty Limited

Vassal states may also be economically dependent on the more powerful country.