vassalage

noun

vas·​sal·​age ˈva-sə-lij How to pronounce vassalage (audio)
1
: a position of subordination or submission (as to a political power)
2
: the state of being a vassal
3
: the homage, fealty, or services due from a vassal

Examples of vassalage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump is trying to use his vertical of vassalage to thwart the electoral system. — Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2020 Ukrainians want a decent, self-governing society, rather than a vassalage of a tyrannical nation that, while sharing much with them, has never respected them. — David Harsanyi, National Review, 14 Sep. 2023 America’s social contract was that liberty and self-determination was a more powerful engine of human freedom than vassalage and the divine right of kings. — TIME, 9 Jan. 2024 What’s more, Johnson has insisted that during 2020, the United Kingdom will also negotiate a trade agreement with the United States to prove that the British have escaped European vassalage. — David Reynolds, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "knightly prowess, state of a vassal," borrowed from Anglo-French, "courage, exploit" from vassal "worthy man, vassal" + -age -age

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vassalage was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

vassal
vassalage
vassalic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vassalage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vassalage. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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