臣しん従じゅう

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

vassalage; allegiance; submission to a lord

Historical term for a subordinate relationship to a feudal lord or ruler. Often used in historical or political contexts.

• 戦せん国ごく時じ代だい、多おおくの武ぶ将しょうが大だい名みょうに臣しん従じゅうした。

  During the Warring States period, many warlords pledged allegiance to feudal lords.