encomienda Definition
a system of labor established by the Spanish in the New World, where a Spanish encomendero was granted a number of native laborers who would pay tributes to him in exchange for protection and Christian education.
Using encomienda: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "encomienda" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The encomienda system was used by the Spanish in the colonization of the Americas.
Example
The encomenderos were responsible for the welfare of the natives under their care.
Example
The encomienda system was abolished in the 18th century due to its exploitation of native labor.
Phrases with encomienda
a system of labor established by the Spanish in the New World, where a Spanish encomendero was granted a number of native laborers who would pay tributes to him in exchange for protection and Christian education
Example
The encomienda system was used by the Spanish in the colonization of the Americas.
Origins of encomienda
from Spanish 'encomendar', meaning 'to entrust'
Summary: encomienda in Brief
The term 'encomienda' [en-koh-mee-en-duh] refers to a system of labor established by the Spanish in the New World. It involved granting a Spanish encomendero a number of native laborers who would pay tributes to him in exchange for protection and Christian education. The encomienda system was abolished in the 18th century due to its exploitation of native labor.