VAVASSOR Meaning and
Definition
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Vavassor is a term with historical origin that refers to a class of landholders in feudal Europe during the Middle Ages. The word is derived from the French word "vavassour," which can be traced back to the Latin term "vassus," meaning "vassal" or "servant."
A vavassor was a member of the lower nobility who held land from a higher-ranking lord under the feudal system. They were considered tenants-in-chief and held a certain amount of land or property in exchange for providing military service to their superior lord. Vavassors were often granted fiefs or estates by the lord in return for their loyalty and military support.
The obligations of a vavassor varied depending on the specific feudal customs of the region, but generally included providing military aid to their lord, engaging in warfare when required, attending the lord's court, and paying rent or dues on the land they held. These landholders were ranked below barons and knights in the feudal hierarchy.
During the Middle Ages, the vavassor class represented a significant part of the landed gentry and played an important role in the feudal society. Over time, as the feudal system evolved and centralization of power increased, the significance of vavassors declined, and they gradually merged into the broader system of noble titles and categories.
Common Misspellings for VAVASSOR
- cavassor
- bavassor
- gavassor
- favassor
- vzvassor
- vsvassor
- vwvassor
- vqvassor
- vacassor
- vabassor
- vagassor
- vafassor
- vavzssor
- vavsssor
- vavwssor
- vavqssor
- vavaasor
- vavazsor
- vavaxsor
- vavadsor
Etymology of VAVASSOR
The word "vavassor" is derived from Old French, specifically from the combination of the words "vassal" and "vasseur".
In Old French, a "vassal" referred to a person who held land under the feudal system, typically in exchange for military service or other forms of service to a lord or superior. Meanwhile, a "vasseur" denoted a person who held land and owed homage and fealty to a lord.
The term "vavassor" emerged in the 12th century in the Anglo-Norman region of England, where French-speaking nobles and landowners used it to describe a lower-ranking vassal who had sub-vassals or tenants under their control. These sub-vassals were sometimes referred to as "vavassors" as well.
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