subvassal

English

Etymology

From sub- +‎ vassal. Compare earlier subvavasour.

Noun

subvassal (plural subvassals)

1. (now historical) The vassal of a vassal. [from 15th c.]
   • 2016, Peter H. Wilson, The Holy Roman Empire, Penguin 2017, p. 329:

     A Carolingian capitulary of 799 allowed the church to assign its property as benefices to lay subvassals to circumvent the canon law restriction on clergy serving as warriors.