Editing Vavasour (section)

==Definition and derivation==
The derivation of the word is obscure. It may be derived from ''vassi ad valvas'' (at the folding-doors, valvae), i.e. servants of the royal antechamber. [[Charles du Fresne, sieur du Cange|Du Cange]] regarded it merely as an obscure variant of ''vassus'', probably from ''vassus vassorum'' "[[vassal]] of the vassals".<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Vavassor|volume=27|page=962}}</ref> Alternative spellings include vavasor, valvasor, vasseur, vasvassor, oavassor, and others.

In its most general sense the word thus indicated a mediate vassal, i.e. one holding a [[fief]] under a vassal. The word was, however, applied at various times to the most diverse ranks in the feudal hierarchy, being used practically as the synonym of vassal. Thus [[tenants-in-chief]] of the crown are described by [[Emperor Conrad II]] as ''valvassores majores'',<ref>Lex Lamgob. lib. iii. tit. 8, 4.</ref> as distinguished from mediate tenants, ''valvassores minores''.<ref name="EB1911"/>

Gradually the term without qualification was found convenient for describing sub-vassals, tenants-in-chief being called ''capitanei'' or ''barones''; but its implication, however, still varied in different places and times. [[Henry de Bracton|Bracton]] ranked the ''magnates seu valvassores'' between [[baron]]s and [[knight]]s;<ref>[[Henry de Bracton]], ''De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae'', lib. i. cap. 8, 2.</ref> for him they are "men of great dignity," and in this order they are found in a charter of King [[Henry II of England]] (1166). But in the ''[[regestum]]'' of King [[Philip II Augustus]] of France we find that five vavassors are reckoned as the equivalent of one knight.<ref>[[Philip II Augustus]], ''[[Regestum]]'', fol. 158.</ref> Finally, Du Cange quotes two charters, one of 1187, another of 1349, in which vavassors are clearly distinguished from nobles.<ref name="EB1911"/>

Vavasours subdivide again to vassals, exchanging land and cattle, human or otherwise, against [[fealty]]. - ''Motley''.<!-- rescued from "References" section, but what does this mean, and who is Motley? -->