Pronunciation: [vˈasə͡l lˈɔːd] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "vassal lord" is /ˈvæsəl lɔːd/. The word "vassal" is spelled with two S's, not one as it is commonly misspelled. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the "a" in "vassal" is pronounced as "æ" and the "o" in "lord" is pronounced as "ɔː". A vassal lord was a feudal lord who owed allegiance and service to a higher-ranking lord. This term was commonly used in medieval Europe.
A vassal lord refers to a noble or aristocrat who holds a position of vassalage within a feudal society. In feudalism, which was prevalent in medieval Europe, vassalage was a system that defined the hierarchical relationships between lords and their subordinate vassals. The vassal lord was one who held land or territory from a higher-ranking lord, known as the suzerain or liege lord, in exchange for services and allegiance.
By swearing an oath of fealty, the vassal lord pledged loyalty, military support, and other obligations to their suzerain. In return, the suzerain provided protection, granted land or fief, and granted the vassal certain rights and privileges. The vassal lord held authority and control over his fief, ruling and administering it as a semi-autonomous entity.
The relationship between a vassal lord and their suzerain was fundamental to the feudal order. It was characterized by mutual obligations and responsibilities, with both parties bound by a complex web of customs and traditions. The vassal lord owed military service, financial assistance, counsel, and advice to their suzerain, while the suzerain was obligated to honor and respect the rights of their vassal.
The concept of vassalage and vassal lords played a crucial role in maintaining the social and political structure of feudal societies. It emphasized the hierarchy of power, where each vassal lord owed allegiance to a higher-ranking suzerain, culminating in the ultimate authority of the monarch or king.
The word "vassal lord" is a combination of two terms: "vassal" and "lord". Here is the etymology of each term:
1. Vassal: The word "vassal" originates from the Old French term "vassal", which emerged around the 11th century CE. It further descended from the Latin word "vassus", meaning "servant" or "retainer". The term "vassus" itself was borrowed from the Gaulish language, spoken in ancient Gaul (present-day France and surrounding regions) before the Roman occupation.
2. Lord: The term "lord" can be traced back to the Old English word "hlāford", which existed in the Anglo-Saxon period (5th to 11th centuries CE).
