Adjacent Words

Vavasor definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

VAV'ASOR, n. [This word in old books is variously written, valvasor, vavasour, valvasour. It is said to be from vassal. But qu.]
Camden holds that the vavasor was next below a baron. Du Cange maintains that there were two sorts of vavasors; the greater, who held of the king, such as barons and counts; and the lesser, called valvasini, who held of the former. The dignity or rank is no longer in use, and the name is known only in books.

Merriam Webster's

or vavasour noun Etymology: Middle English vavasour, from Anglo-French vavassur, probably from Medieval Latin vassus vassorum vassal of vassals Date: 14th century a feudal tenant ranking directly below a baron

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Vavasor Vav"a*sor, n. [OE. vavasour, OF. vavassor, vavassour, F. vavasseur, LL. vavassor, probably contr. from vassus vassorum vassal of the vassals. See Vassal.] (Feud. Law) The vassal or tenant of a baron; one who held under a baron, and who also had tenants under him; one in dignity next to a baron; a title of dignity next to a baron. --Burrill. ``A worthy vavasour.'' --Chaucer. [Also written vavasour, vavassor, valvasor, etc.] Vavasours subdivide again to vassals, exchanging land and cattle, human or otherwise, against fealty. --Motley.