The Collaborative International 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.
Usage examples of "vavassor".
Now this cheaping irked Ralph sorely, as was like to be, whereas, as hath been told, he came from a land where were no thralls, none but vavassors and good yeomen: yet he abode till all was done, hansel paid, and the thralls led off by their new masters.
Everywhere they saw men and women working afield, but no houses of worthy yeomen or vavassors, or cots of good husbandmen.