Serf - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A serf is a peasant bound to work on a lord’s land under feudalism, lacking personal freedom. They were tied to the land and owed labor or produce to their master.
Definition:
A peasant bound to the land under feudal law, required to work for the lord.
Synonyms:
peasant, vassal, thrall, bondsman
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
freeman, noble, lord
Common Collocations:
feudal serf, medieval serf, land-bound serf
Derivatives:
serfdom, serflike
Usage Tips:
Use "serf" to describe a historical peasant with no freedom; avoid for modern contexts unless metaphorical.
Common Phrases:
bound to the land, lord and serf, serf's labor
Etymology:
From Latin "servus" (slave), through Old French "serf," meaning a bonded laborer in feudalism.
Examples:
- 1. The serf worked the fields for his lord every day.
- 2. In medieval Europe, a serf could not leave the manor without permission.
- 3. The lord provided protection in exchange for the serf's labor.
- 4. Unlike slaves, serfs had some rights but were still unfree.