vavasours

Other purposes besides that of providing good cheer for a robust generation were served by the wealth of her great landed proprietors, and of the "worthy vavasours" (smaller landowners) who, like Chaucer's "Franklin" -- a very Saint Julian or pattern of hospitality -- knew not what it was to be "without baked meat in the house," where their tables dormant in the hall alway

Chaucer Adolphus William Ward 1880

Widow Lady, whom he carried off by force before her castle of Camelot, and hath set her in the house of one of his vavasours until such time as he shall espouse her.

The High History of the Holy Graal Anonymous 1869

The fierce and plotting William, the vain and worthless Rufus, the cold-blooded and relentless Henry, are no adequate representatives of the far nobler Norman vavasours, whom even the English Chronicler admits to have been "kind masters," and to whom, in spite of their kings, the after liberties of England were so largely indebted.

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Complete Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

And thus, in the year of our Lord 1052, occurred the notable dispersion and ignominious flight of the counts and vavasours of great William the Duke!

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 03 Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

And thus, in the year of our Lord 1052, occurred the notable dispersion and ignominious flight of the counts and vavasours of great William the Duke!

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Complete Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

"Per la resplendar De," cried William, frowning; -- "do ye think, my proud vavasours, to fail me in this great need?"

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Complete Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

Norman vavasours, whom even the English Chronicler admits to have been

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 01 Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

"Per la resplendar De," cried William, frowning; -- "do ye think, my proud vavasours, to fail me in this great need?"

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 12 Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

Rebraced to its purpose by Lanfranc's cheering assurances, the resolute, indomitable soul of William now applied itself, night and day, to the difficult task of rousing his haughty vavasours.

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Volume 11 Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838

Rebraced to its purpose by Lanfranc's cheering assurances, the resolute, indomitable soul of William now applied itself, night and day, to the difficult task of rousing his haughty vavasours.

Harold : the Last of the Saxon Kings — Complete Edward Bulwer Lytton Lytton 1838