Vassal (noun)

1. In feudal society, a person who held land from a lord and was expected to provide military service and other forms of support.
2. A person in a subordinate position to a superior, particularly in politics or business.

Origin:

From the old french word "vaslet" which means "young man" and later came to mean "servan.t"

Examples:

1. In feudal society, vassals were obligated to provide military support to their lords.
2. He was a vassal of the king, with a duty to provide soldiers for the king's army.
3. The country was ruled by a powerful lord and his vassals.
4. In the business world, a vassal company is one that is controlled by a larger company.
5. He was a vassal to the powerful businessman and had to do his bidding.