Vavasor

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Vavasours subdivide again to vassals, exchanging land and cattle, human or otherwise, against fealty. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]