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.
[1] 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.
Bracton ranked the magnates seu valvassores between barons and knights;[3] 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.
[1] Vavasours subdivide again to vassals, exchanging land and cattle, human or otherwise, against fealty.