VA glossary terms

Browse full definitions for every VA term in the Amicus glossary.

Vacancy

/ˈveɪkənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state of being unoccupied or unfilled, especially a position, office, or property.
    The company announced a vacancy for the position of general counsel.
  2. (n.) In real estate law, an unoccupied dwelling or property available for lease or sale.
    The landlord sought to fill the vacancy in the apartment complex quickly.
  3. (n.) In constitutional or corporate law, the absence or cessation of an officeholder's position, enabling succession.
    The vacancy in the board of directors must be filled within 30 days.

Forms

  • vacancy
  • vacancies

Commentary

Vacancy often concerns both literal unoccupied spaces and legal offices; clarity depends on context—property law versus corporate or constitutional law.


Vacate

/ˈveɪ.keɪt/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To annul or set aside a judgment, order, or legal proceeding officially.
    The appellate court decided to vacate the lower court's ruling.
  2. (v.) To give up possession or occupancy of property, especially by order of law or after a lease expires.
    The tenant was ordered to vacate the premises by the end of the month.

Forms

  • vacates
  • vacated
  • vacating

Commentary

In legal drafting, "vacate" commonly refers either to setting aside judgments or surrendering property; context determines its precise meaning.


Vacation

/ˌveɪˈkeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A period during which an employee is formally allowed time off work, often with pay, as stipulated in an employment contract or statute.
    The employee requested two weeks of vacation according to the company policy.
  2. (v.) To annul or set aside a legal judgment, order, or decision.
    The court decided to vacation the previous ruling due to new evidence.

Forms

  • vacations
  • vacationed
  • vacationing

Commentary

The noun form commonly refers to employment leave, while the verb form is specialized and denotes the legal act of annulling a judgment or order; context clarifies usage.


Vacation Leave

/ˈveɪkəˌʃən liv/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Authorized period of absence from work granted to an employee for rest, recreation, or personal matters, typically accruing over time.
    The employee requested vacation leave to travel abroad during the summer.

Forms

  • vacation leave

Commentary

Vacation leave policies vary widely by jurisdiction and employer, often governed by labor laws and employment contracts specifying accrual, usage, and carryover rules.


Vacatur

/ˈveɪ.kəˌtʊər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court order setting aside or annulling a previous judgment or order.
    The appellate court issued a vacatur of the lower court's decision due to procedural errors.

Commentary

Vacatur is chiefly used in appellate procedure to nullify lower court rulings without substituting a new judgment.


Vaccinate

/ˈvæk.sɪˌneɪt/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To administer a vaccine to a person or animal to provide immunity against a disease.
    The government mandated all healthcare workers to vaccinate against influenza to prevent outbreaks.

Forms

  • vaccinates
  • vaccinated
  • vaccinating

Commentary

In legal contexts, vaccination often intersects with public health regulations, individual rights, and governmental authority to impose mandates.


Vaccination

/ˌvæk.sɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The administration of a vaccine to provide immunity against a disease, often mandated or regulated by law for public health purposes.
    The law requires vaccination for school enrollment to prevent outbreaks.

Forms

  • vaccinations

Commentary

In legal contexts, vaccination often involves regulatory compliance, immunization mandates, and liability considerations.


Vaccine

/ˈvækˌsiːn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A substance administered to stimulate immunity against a specific infectious disease, regulated under public health law.
    The government mandated the influenza vaccine for healthcare workers to prevent outbreaks.

Forms

  • vaccines

Commentary

Legal definitions often emphasize regulatory aspects and immunization requirements; clarify legal authority governing vaccine approval and distribution.


Vacillation

/ˌvæsɪˈleɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The act of wavering between different opinions, actions, or decisions, often causing delay or indecision in legal contexts.
    The lawyer's vacillation on which argument to pursue weakened the client's case.

Forms

  • vacillations

Commentary

In legal drafting, vacillation often implies a caution against indecisiveness that can prejudice legal outcomes.


Vacuous Truth

/ˈvækjuəs truːθ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A statement that is considered true because it asserts something about an empty set or an impossible condition, often used in legal logic and argumentation to highlight vacuity in claims or conditions.
    The court noted the vacuous truth in the defendant’s claim that no witnesses existed, as the allegation pertained to an impossible scenario.

Forms

  • vacuous truths

Commentary

In legal drafting, recognizing vacuous truths prevents reliance on logically trivial claims and clarifies argument soundness.


Vacuous Truth Fallacy

/ˈvækjʊəs truːθ fəˈlæsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A logical fallacy in legal reasoning where a statement is deemed true solely because the condition it asserts is impossible, leading to misleading conclusions.
    The court warned against relying on vacuous truth fallacy when interpreting contract clauses that apply only under impossible circumstances.

Commentary

Commonly arises in legal analyses involving conditional statements where the antecedent is factually impossible, thus the statement's truth is vacuously valid but substantively irrelevant.


Vagabond

/ˈvæɡəˌbɒnd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home or employment, often considered a vagrant under law.
    The city enacted ordinances to regulate the activities of vagabonds to prevent loitering.

Forms

  • vagabonds

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'vagabond' is often synonymous with 'vagrant' and may invoke statutes regulating homelessness or wandering without lawful purpose.


Vagrancy

/ˈvæɡrənsi/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The state or offense of wandering from place to place without lawful means of support or residence, often criminalized under public order statutes.
    The defendant was charged with vagrancy for loitering without a job or home.

Commentary

Legal definitions of vagrancy vary by jurisdiction and often entail conditions like unemployment or homelessness; modern statutes focus on behavior tied to public nuisance.


Vagrant

/ˈveɪɡrənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who wanders without a settled home or employment and may be subject to legal penalties under vagrancy laws.
    The court adjudicated the individual as a vagrant under the state’s anti-vagrancy statute.

Forms

  • vagrant

Commentary

Legal usage of 'vagrant' typically pertains to the enforcement of anti-vagrancy laws addressing wandering persons without lawful employment or residence.


Vagueness

/ˈveɪɡnəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The quality of being unclear or imprecise in legal language, leading to uncertainty in interpretation and application.
    The statute was challenged on the basis of vagueness, arguing it failed to provide clear guidance to citizens.

Commentary

Vagueness often triggers due process concerns because laws must provide fair notice of prohibited conduct. Drafting should avoid vague terms to ensure enforceability and legal clarity.


Vagueness Doctrine

/ˈveɪɡnəs ˈdɒktrɪn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A constitutional law principle that invalidates statutes or regulations that are too vague for the average person to understand, thus violating due process.
    The court struck down the ordinance under the vagueness doctrine for failing to clearly define prohibited conduct.

Forms

  • vagueness doctrine
  • vagueness doctrines

Commentary

The vagueness doctrine ensures laws provide adequate notice and do not permit arbitrary enforcement; drafters should use precise language to avoid vagueness challenges.


Valiant

/ˈvæliənt/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Having or showing courage or determination, often used to describe conduct in legal advocacy or defense.
    The attorney made a valiant effort to defend her client against the charges.

Forms

  • valiant

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'valiant' typically refers to the commendable courage demonstrated in legal representation or defense rather than as a formal legal term.


Valiantly

/ˈveɪliəntli/

Definitions

  1. (adv.) In a manner showing courage or determination, especially in a legal context such as defending rights or pursuing justice.
    The attorney valiantly argued the case despite significant opposition.

Forms

  • valiantly

Commentary

Used to describe the manner of action reflecting bravery or steadfastness, often emphasizing moral or ethical resolve in legal advocacy.


Valid

/ˈvælɪd/

Definitions

  1. (adj.) Legally binding or effective under the law.
    The contract is valid and enforceable in court.
  2. (adj.) Having legal force or compliance with requirements.
    A valid will must be signed by the testator and witnesses.
  3. (adj.) Logically sound or cogent in legal reasoning.
    The attorney presented a valid legal argument.

Commentary

The term 'valid' often contrasts with 'void' or 'voidable,' indicating the presence of all essential elements and legal sufficiency for enforcement.


Valid Act

/ˈvælɪd ækt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An act or transaction that complies with all legal requirements and is therefore legally effective and enforceable.
    The court confirmed that the contract was a valid act under state law.

Forms

  • valid act
  • valid acts

Commentary

Typically used to distinguish lawful and effective acts from those lacking legal effect; clarity in drafting includes citing the enabling statute or authority to establish validity.


Validate

/ˈvælɪˌdeɪt/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To confirm the legality, authenticity, or binding effect of a document, act, or transaction.
    The court validated the contract after reviewing the evidence.
  2. (v.) To confirm or establish the truth, accuracy, or legitimacy of information or an assertion in a legal context.
    The witness’s testimony was validated by corroborating evidence.

Forms

  • validates
  • validated
  • validating

Commentary

In legal drafting, "validate" often implies a judicial or authoritative act affirming legality or enforceability; precision in context is key to distinguish validation of documents from validation of evidence or facts.


Validation

/ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of confirming that a legal document, contract, or procedure is valid, enforceable, or in accordance with the law.
    The validation of the contract by the court ensures its enforceability.
  2. (n.) The judicial confirmation of the authenticity or legality of a will or other testamentary document.
    The probate court granted validation of the deceased's last will and testament.

Commentary

Validation often requires formal procedures or judicial approval to confirm legal effectiveness.


Validation Process

/ˌvælɪˈdeɪʃən ˈprəʊsɛs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal procedure by which a legal document, contract, or transaction is confirmed to be valid, enforceable, or compliant with applicable laws and standards.
    The validation process confirmed the contract met all statutory requirements.
  2. (n.) The administrative and judicial steps involved in confirming the authenticity or legality of a will or other testamentary document.
    The court initiated the validation process to ensure the will was genuine.

Forms

  • validation process

Commentary

In drafting, clearly delineate steps and legal thresholds in the validation process to avoid ambiguity over enforceability or compliance.


Validity

/vəˈlɪdəti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The quality or state of being legally binding, enforceable, or effective.
    The validity of the contract was challenged due to lack of consent.
  2. (n.) The legal soundness or acceptability of a document, transaction, or law according to established principles.
    The court examined the validity of the statute under constitutional law.

Forms

  • validities

Commentary

Validity often focuses on whether a legal instrument satisfies necessary legal requirements, which may differ by jurisdiction and subject matter.


Validly

/ˈvælɪdli/

Definitions

  1. (adv.) In a manner that is legally binding, effective, or acceptable under the law.
    The contract was validly executed according to statutory requirements.

Commentary

Used to describe the proper and legally effective manner of doing an act, especially in contract or procedural contexts.


Valor

/ˈvæl.ər/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Courage or bravery in the face of danger, often recognized in legal contexts relating to military honors or protective acts.
    The soldier received a medal for his valor during the battle.

Forms

  • valor

Commentary

Valor typically surfaces in legal contexts involving awards for acts of bravery or considerations of character in criminal or military law.


Valuation

/ˌvæljuˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process of determining the monetary worth of property, assets, or rights for legal purposes.
    The court ordered a valuation of the disputed land to determine its fair market value.
  2. (n.) An expert report or estimate stating the value of property or assets.
    The valuation submitted by the assessor was accepted as evidence in the bankruptcy proceedings.

Forms

  • valuations

Commentary

Valuation in legal contexts often requires adherence to jurisdiction-specific standards and may impact damages, taxation, or equitable distribution.


Valuation Adjustment

/ˌvæljuˈeɪʃən əˈdʒʌstmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An alteration in the assessed value of an asset or liability to reflect current conditions or risks, often used in financial and legal contexts such as derivatives pricing or accounting.
    The valuation adjustment increased the asset's reported value to account for market fluctuations.
  2. (n.) A price adjustment made during the sale or purchase of an asset to account for factors like quality, condition, or risk.
    A valuation adjustment was applied to the property price due to structural damages disclosed during the inspection.

Forms

  • valuation adjustment
  • valuation adjustments

Commentary

Valuation adjustment is most common in financial legal contexts, especially relating to derivative contracts or asset transfers; clarity about the basis and method of adjustment is crucial in documentation.


Valuation Allowance

/ˌvæljuˈeɪʃən əˈlaʊəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An accounting reserve that reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
    The company recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets due to uncertain future profitability.

Forms

  • valuation allowance
  • valuation allowances

Commentary

The valuation allowance reflects management's judgment about the realizability of deferred tax assets and should be carefully supported by evidence to comply with accounting standards.


Valuation Discount

/ˌvæljʊˈeɪʃən ˈdɪskaʊnt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A reduction applied to the valuation of an asset to reflect factors such as lack of marketability, minority interest, or other limitations that affect its fair market value.
    The valuation discount decreased the apparent worth of the privately held shares in the buy-sell agreement.

Forms

  • valuation discount
  • valuation discounts

Commentary

Valuation discounts are critical in contexts like estate and gift tax valuations and buy-sell agreements to reflect real-world transaction constraints.


Valuation Report

/ˌvæljuˈeɪʃən rɪˈpɔːrt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal document prepared by a qualified appraiser estimating the monetary value of an asset or property, often used in legal, financial, or tax contexts.
    The court requested a valuation report to determine the fair market value of the disputed property.

Forms

  • valuation report
  • valuation reports

Commentary

A valuation report must be precise and supported by appropriate methodology as it often forms the basis for legal decisions or transactions.


Valuation Review

/ˌvæl.juˈeɪ.ʃən rɪˈvjuː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal or financial process of reviewing and verifying the adequacy, accuracy, and compliance of a property or asset valuation for transaction, litigation, or regulatory purposes.
    The court ordered a valuation review to confirm the asset's worth before the settlement.

Forms

  • valuation review
  • valuation reviews

Commentary

In legal drafting, specify the context and purpose of the valuation review to clarify its scope and authority.


Value

/ˈvæljuː/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Monetary worth of an asset, property, or right as determined by a standard or market conditions.
    The court assessed the value of the disputed property during the trial.
  2. (n.) The importance, utility, or desirability attributed to something in legal contexts, such as contract or property law.
    The value of the consideration must be sufficient for a contract to be enforceable.

Forms

  • values
  • valued
  • valuing

Commentary

In legal drafting, distinguishing between monetary value and legal value (e.g., sufficiency of consideration) is critical for clarity.


Value Date

/ˈvæljuː deɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The agreed-upon date on which the value of a financial transaction is determined for accounting or settlement purposes.
    The value date of the currency swap determines when the amounts are exchanged.
  2. (n.) The date on which funds involved in a banking transaction are available or become effective.
    The bank credit appeared on the account with a value date two days earlier than the posting date.

Forms

  • value date

Commentary

In legal and financial contexts, 'value date' is critical for determining the timing of obligations and rights under financial contracts; drafters should specify if it differs from the settlement or payment date to avoid ambiguity.


Value-Added Tax

/ˈvæljuːˌædɪd tæks/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A consumption tax levied on the incremental value added to goods and services at each stage of production or distribution.
    The company must remit the value-added tax collected on its sales to the government.

Commentary

The term refers to a multistage tax system distinct from single-stage sales taxes; precise drafting should clarify the taxable event and the taxable base.


Valuer

/ˈvæljuːə/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person qualified to assess the value of property, goods, or assets, often for legal, financial, or taxation purposes.
    The valuer determined the market price of the estate for probate purposes.

Forms

  • valuer
  • valuers

Commentary

In legal contexts, a valuer's opinion can be crucial evidence in disputes involving property or damages.


Vandalism

/ˈvændəlɪzəm/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The intentional damaging, defacement, or destruction of property without the owner's consent, often punishable under criminal law.
    The defendant was charged with vandalism after spray-painting graffiti on the public library.

Commentary

Vandalism statutes vary widely; precise definitions depend on jurisdiction but generally focus on intentional harm to property without legal justification.


Vandalize

/ˈvændəˌlaɪz/

Definitions

  1. (v.) To willfully destroy, damage, or deface property without legal right.
    The defendant was charged for attempting to vandalize the public park.

Forms

  • vandalizes
  • vandalized
  • vandalizing

Commentary

Commonly prosecuted as a criminal offense, vandalism involves intentional acts against property and often requires proof of willfulness.


Vanguard

/ˈvænˌɡɑrd/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A group leading a movement or a forefront in a field, especially in revolutionary or innovative legal or political actions.
    The activists acted as the vanguard of legal reform in the state.

Commentary

In legal contexts, vanguard often denotes parties or groups pioneering novel claims or reforms, highlighting leadership and initiative rather than a formal legal status.


Vanity

/ˈvænəti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements relevant to assessing intent or character in legal contexts.
    The defendant's vanity was considered when evaluating motive.
  2. (n.) In trademarks or intellectual property law, a 'vanity' may refer to a personalized or custom item or name, such as a vanity license plate protected by law.
    The owner secured legal rights for their vanity license plate.

Commentary

Common in character evidence contexts, 'vanity' can bear on intent or credibility; also appears in IP contexts regarding personalized or custom names or items.


Variable Cost

/ˈvɛəriəbl kɒst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A cost that varies in direct proportion to the level of production or business activity.
    In contract disputes, the allocation of variable costs can be pivotal to determining damages.

Forms

  • variable cost
  • variable costs

Commentary

In legal contexts, distinguishing variable costs from fixed costs is crucial in contract drafting and damage calculations, ensuring clarity in financial obligations.


Variable Interest Rate

/ˈvɛəriəbl ˈɪntrəst reɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An interest rate on a loan or security that fluctuates over time based on an underlying benchmark or index.
    The loan's variable interest rate adjusted quarterly according to the LIBOR.

Forms

  • variable interest rate
  • variable interest rates

Commentary

Variable interest rates require clear disclosure in loan agreements to ensure borrowers understand potential payment changes.


Variable Pay

/ˈvɛəriəbl peɪ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Compensation that varies according to performance, results, or other criteria instead of fixed salary.
    The employee’s variable pay depended on meeting specific sales targets.

Forms

  • variable pay

Commentary

Variable pay structures should be clearly defined in employment contracts to avoid disputes over entitlements.


Variable Rate

/ˈvɛər.i.ə.bəl reɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) An interest or payment rate that can change periodically based on a benchmark or formula stipulated in a contract.
    The loan's variable rate adjusted annually according to the prime lending rate.

Forms

  • variable rate
  • variable rates

Commentary

In contracts, clearly defining the adjustment mechanism for a variable rate is crucial to avoid disputes over amendments or payments.


Variable Rate Loan

/ˈvɛəriəbəl reɪt loʊn/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A loan with an interest rate that fluctuates over time based on a benchmark or index rate.
    The borrower preferred a variable rate loan to take advantage of potential interest rate decreases.

Forms

  • variable rate loan
  • variable rate loans

Commentary

Variable rate loans require careful drafting to specify the benchmark rate and adjustment intervals clearly to avoid disputes over interest calculations.


Variance

/ˈvɛərɪəns/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court's approval for a deviation from the strict terms of a zoning ordinance or building code, granted when literal enforcement would cause unnecessary hardship.
    The property owner requested a variance to build closer to the property line than normally permitted.
  2. (n.) The difference or discrepancy between what is stated in a pleading and what is proven or alleged; a variance that may lead to dismissal or amendment of claims.
    The attorney pointed out the variance between the complaint and the evidence presented.

Commentary

In zoning law, variances require showing hardship; in pleading, variance refers to inconsistencies between allegations and evidence.


Variance Analysis

/ˈværiəns əˌnæləsɪs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A method used in accounting and financial law to examine the differences between planned financial outcomes and actual results, helping identify causes of variances.
    The court reviewed the variance analysis to determine if the company breached contractual financial obligations.

Forms

  • variance analyses

Commentary

In legal contexts, variance analysis is often employed to assess compliance with financial terms of contracts or regulatory filings. Accurate variance analysis can support litigation or dispute resolution involving financial discrepancies.


Variance Hearing

/ˈvɛəriəns ˈhɪərɪŋ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A court or administrative proceeding to review and decide on a party's request for a variance from zoning, land use, or regulatory requirements.
    The property owner attended the variance hearing to seek permission for building beyond the setback limit.

Forms

  • variance hearings

Commentary

A variance hearing often involves evaluating whether strict application of regulations would cause undue hardship, distinguishing it from other types of hearings.


Variance Request

/ˈvɛəriəns rɪˈkwɛst/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal application submitted to a zoning or planning authority seeking permission to deviate from specific terms or conditions of a land use or building regulation.
    The developer filed a variance request to build beyond the height limit set by the municipal code.

Forms

  • variance requests

Commentary

A variance request typically requires demonstrating that strict compliance would cause undue hardship or practical difficulties; precise grounds vary by jurisdiction.


Variant

/ˈvɛəriənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A version or form of a legal document, statute, or contract that differs in some respects from other versions.
    The parties agreed on the variant of the contract that included additional confidentiality clauses.
  2. (adj.) Relating to or constituting a variation from a standard legal form or practice.
    The variant clause was inserted to address jurisdictional differences.

Forms

  • variants

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'variant' often denotes alternative versions or adaptations of formal documents; clarity in identifying which variant applies can prevent disputes.


Variation

/ˌvɛə.riˈeɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A formal amendment or modification to a contract or legal document agreed upon by the parties.
    The parties signed a variation to the original contract to extend the delivery date.
  2. (n.) A departure from the original terms or conditions in a legal context, often requiring consent or notification.
    The landlord's variation of the lease terms was challenged by the tenant.

Forms

  • variations

Commentary

In legal drafting, a variation typically requires mutual consent and should be documented in writing to avoid disputes.


Variety

/ˈvɛr.i.ə.ti/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A category or kind distinguished by specific legal characteristics within a broader classification, often used in contexts like 'variety of rights' or 'variety of claims'.
    The statute recognizes several varieties of intellectual property rights.
  2. (n.) In plant breeders' rights law, a distinct strain or type of plant that is eligible for legal protection.
    The farmer patented a new variety of wheat under the plant breeders' rights legislation.

Commentary

In legal drafting, 'variety' often denotes legally recognized subdivisions within broader legal categories, especially in contexts like intellectual property and claims; clarity on the context ensures precise use.


Vassal

/ˈvæsəl/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person who held land from a lord in exchange for allegiance and service, especially during the feudal period.
    The vassal pledged loyalty to his lord in return for protection and land.
  2. (n.) One who is subordinate or owes allegiance to a superior authority in a quasi-feudal or dependent relationship.
    The corporation acted as a vassal to the dominant multinational in the market.

Commentary

In legal-historical contexts, 'vassal' specifies a particular status in feudal tenure; modern usage may be metaphorical in legal or political analysis.


Vassal State

/ˈvæsəl steɪt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A polity that is subordinate to a more powerful sovereign or state, often owing allegiance and tribute in exchange for protection or autonomy.
    Medieval kingdoms often controlled vast territories through vassal states bound by feudal obligations.

Forms

  • vassal state
  • vassal states

Commentary

The term is primarily historical and international law-related, describing hierarchical relations where the vassal state retains some internal autonomy but acknowledges a superior authority; modern usage often overlaps with dependent or protectorate statuses.


Vassalage

/ˈvæs.ə.lɪdʒ/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A feudal system condition in which a vassal holds land from a lord in exchange for allegiance and service.
    The vassalage agreement required military support in return for land tenure.

Commentary

In legal and historical contexts, vassalage specifically denotes a mutual relationship involving land tenure and obligations, emphasizing the socio-legal nature of feudal ties.


Vat

/ˈvæt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A large container used for holding liquids, especially in manufacturing or storage of goods such as wine or chemicals.
    The company stored the chemicals safely in a sealed vat.
  2. (n.) Value Added Tax, a consumption tax levied on goods and services in many jurisdictions.
    The invoice included an additional 20% VAT charge.

Forms

  • vats

Commentary

In legal contexts, 'VAT' most often refers to Value Added Tax; context is key to distinguish it from the physical container meaning.

Glossary – VA Terms