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Webster 1913 Edition

Vavasor

Vav′a-sor

,
Noun.
[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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Vavasor

VAV'ASOR

,
Noun.
[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.

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