Villein

usgb/ˈvɪleɪn/
noun

A peasant in the European middle ages who was under the control of a lord who they worked for, and could not leave without the lord's permission.

During the medieval times, villeins were at the mercy of their lords with seldom any rights of their own.
Visual representation of "villein" - A peasant in the European middle ages who was under the control of a lord who they worked for, and could not leave without the lord's permission.

Often appears as...

  • medieval villein
  • villein in feudal system

Usage tips

Academic

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Visual representation of "villein"
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Historical Term

Used mainly in historical contexts related to European feudalism or studies of the Middle Ages.

Illustration for Historical Term
The manor included land for the villein to farm.
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Not Modern

'Villein' is an outdated term and isn't used in contemporary language except when discussing historical subjects.

Illustration for Not Modern
He wrote a thesis on the life of a villein.
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Social Status

Villein indicates a low social status in the past, inferior to free peasants or knights.

Illustration for Social Status
A villein owed his allegiance and labor to the feudal lord.
Visual representation of the word "Villein"

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