Final answer:
A vassal was a person under the feudal system who pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for a fief. The feudal system was complex, with vassals sometimes being more powerful than kings. Vassal states had internal autonomy but were influenced by and had to pay tribute to a dominating power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term vassal is associated with the feudal system, particularly during the Middle Ages. A vassal was an individual who pledged fealty to a lord, receiving protection and land, known as a fief, in return. The vassal held certain obligations, such as military support, and in return, was allowed to extract wealth from the land. However, this system was complex, with vassals sometimes possessing more power than the king, and with the potential for conflicts and wars against their own monarch.
Vassal states were somewhat independent, handling internal affairs, but were under the influence or control of a more powerful empire. They often must pay tribute to their dominating power. This hierarchy often included multiple levels, where vassals could have their own sub-vassals, creating a layered and intricate feudal structure.