What is another word for villein?

Pronunciation: [vˈɪla͡ɪn] (IPA)

Villein, the term used for medieval serfs or peasants, is a word that is rarely used in modern times. However, there are several synonyms that describe people who were considered at the bottom of the social hierarchy during this period. These include serf, bondman, peasant, thrall, and churl. All these words refer to a person who was tied to a particular piece of land or lord, and who had limited rights and freedoms. It is important to understand the significance of these words to gain a broader understanding of the feudal system and its impact on the lives of ordinary people.

What are the hypernyms for Villein?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Usage examples for Villein

To be sure, the supreme lord had the power to raise even a villein to the rank of noble, after he had proved his superior elevation of mind by heroic achievements; but what superhuman exertions did not those achievements call for; what a concourse of fortuitous circumstances rarely occurring, so as to render almost illusory the hope of rising held out by the feudal theory!
"Irish Race in the Past and the Present"
Aug. J. Thebaud
The process by which the villein became a hired labourer is obscure and an attempt was made to check it by the Statute of Labourers at the time of the Black Death.
"The World's Greatest Books, Vol XI."
Edited by Arthur Mee and J.A. Hammerton
After Jan's birth Bockel married the woman and bought her her freedom from the villein status that was hers by heredity.
"German Culture Past and Present"
Ernest Belfort Bax

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