Serfdom
noun
A system in history where people, known as serfs, worked on land owned by lords and had to obey these lords in return for protection.
Serfdom was a common practice in Medieval Europe.
Often appears as...
- abolition of serfdom
- serfdom in europe
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A modern condition similar to serfdom, where a person is controlled by another and not given freedom.
The workers lived in conditions akin to serfdom, with very little freedom or rights.
Often appears as...
- modern serfdom
- conditions of serfdom
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A system in history where people, known as serfs, worked on land owned by lords and had to obey these lords in return for protection.
Serfdom was a common practice in Medieval Europe.
Often appears as...
- abolition of serfdom
- serfdom in europe
Usage tips
Historical
noun
A modern condition similar to serfdom, where a person is controlled by another and not given freedom.
The workers lived in conditions akin to serfdom, with very little freedom or rights.
Often appears as...
- modern serfdom
- conditions of serfdom
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Significance
Understand that serfdom is a historical concept representing an outdated social system.
Serfdom structured many medieval societies, but it no longer exists today.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Voluntary
Remember that serfs did not choose their status; it was forced upon them.
Those born into serfdom had no option but to serve the local lord.
Pro Tip 3/3Protection Exchange
Serfdom involved serfs getting protection from lords in exchange for their services.
In serfdom, the lord's promise of safety justified the serfs' labor.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Significance
Understand that serfdom is a historical concept representing an outdated social system.
Serfdom structured many medieval societies, but it no longer exists today.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Voluntary
Remember that serfs did not choose their status; it was forced upon them.
Those born into serfdom had no option but to serve the local lord.
Pro Tip 3/3Protection Exchange
Serfdom involved serfs getting protection from lords in exchange for their services.
In serfdom, the lord's promise of safety justified the serfs' labor.
Pro Tip 1/3Historical Significance
Understand that serfdom is a historical concept representing an outdated social system.
Serfdom structured many medieval societies, but it no longer exists today.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Voluntary
Remember that serfs did not choose their status; it was forced upon them.
Those born into serfdom had no option but to serve the local lord.
Pro Tip 3/3Protection Exchange
Serfdom involved serfs getting protection from lords in exchange for their services.
In serfdom, the lord's promise of safety justified the serfs' labor.
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Video examples
History vs. Vladimir...
"This is rubbish. Serfdom had already been abolished in 1861." "And replaced by something worse. The factory bosses treated the people far worse than their former feudal landlords. And unlike the landlords, they were always there.
Video examples
History vs. Vladimir...
"This is rubbish. Serfdom had already been abolished in 1861." "And replaced by something worse. The factory bosses treated the people far worse than their former feudal landlords. And unlike the landlords, they were always there.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
W. E. B. Du Bois
American Writer
North as well as South, the Negroes have emerged from slavery into a serfdom of poverty and restricted rights.
Quote examples
W. E. B. Du Bois
American Writer
North as well as South, the Negroes have emerged from slavery into a serfdom of poverty and restricted rights.
Example 1 of 1
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