bồi thần
Definition
- Noun:
- Vassal: A person or state that owes allegiance and service to a superior lord or sovereign, typically in a feudal system. In historical contexts, it refers to a subordinate who holds land from a superior in exchange for loyalty and military support.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Các lãnh chúa phong kiến thường có nhiều bồi thần. (Feudal lords often had many vassals.)
- Vương quốc đó trở thành bồi thần của đế chế hùng mạnh. (That kingdom became a vassal of the powerful empire.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily historical and academic, used to describe relationships in feudal societies, ancient Chinese tributary systems, or similar hierarchical political structures.
Variants and Related Words
- Chư hầu (n): A closely related term meaning "feudal vassal" or "tributary state," often used interchangeably or in similar contexts.
- Nước này từng là chư hầu trung thành. (This country was once a loyal tributary state.)
Synonyms
- Vassal: A holder of land by feudal tenure on conditions of homage and allegiance.
- Tributary: A state or ruler that pays tribute to a more powerful sovereign.
- Liege: A lord or sovereign to whom allegiance and service are due.
Related Concepts
- Fealty: The fidelity and loyalty owed by a vassal to his feudal lord.
- Suzerainty: The right of a sovereign state to control the foreign policy of a subordinate state, while allowing it internal autonomy.