What do you call subordinate landholders under tenants-in-chief?

The correct term for subordinate landholders under tenants-in-chief is vassals. In the feudal system, which was a hierarchical structure prevalent in medieval England and adopted in various forms in regions like British Columbia's historical context, the relationship between landholders was defined by obligations and allegiances.

A tenant-in-chief, who held land directly from the sovereign or king, would grant portions of that land to vassals—who were then obligated to provide military service or other support in exchange for the land they held. This relationship was foundational to the functioning of feudalism, where loyalty and responsibility were key elements between different ranks of landholders.

While terms like "land barons," "peasantry," and "middle lords" can describe various aspects of landholding and social hierarchy at different times, they do not accurately reflect the specific relationship of vassals to tenants-in-chief. "Land barons" implies a status of independence or control that does not fit with being subordinate, while "peasantry" refers to agricultural workers or lower class without land rights. "Middle lords" suggests a rank above vassals, which is not correct in this context. Thus, vassals is the appropriate term in