In the feudal system, a knight and a vassal held different roles and statuses. A vassal was a person who pledged loyalty and service to a lord in exchange for land and protection. This relationship was formalized through a ceremony known as homage.
A knight, on the other hand, was a warrior who served a lord, often as part of the lord’s military force. Knights were typically of noble birth and were trained in combat and chivalry. While many knights were also vassals, not all vassals were knights.
In terms of hierarchy, a vassal could be of higher or lower status depending on their relationship with their lord. A vassal who held significant land and power could be more influential than a knight. However, a knight who served a powerful lord or king could also hold considerable prestige and authority.
In summary, the status of a knight versus a vassal depended on their specific roles and the context of their service. Generally, a vassal who was also a knight would be considered higher in status than a non-knight vassal.