society > authority > subjection > service > feudal service > [noun] > vassal > subvassal (6)
A person who holds land as the vassal of a person who himself or herself holds the land as a vassal, in later use usually in return for the annual…
(under-, prefix1 affix 3a(a).)
A person who holds land as the vassal of a person who himself or herself holds the land as a vassal; a subvassal.
A feudal vassal who holds lands from another vassal, rather than directly from the sovereign. Also in extended use.