serf Definition
an agricultural laborer bound under the feudal system to work on his lord's estate..
Using serf: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "serf" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The serfs were tied to the land and could not leave without permission.
Example
Serfs were often treated poorly by their lords.
Example
The serfdom system was abolished in Russia in 1861.
serf Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with serf
serf's law
a legal principle that a person cannot be deprived of property or rights without due process of law
Example
The serf's law was enacted to protect the rights of workers.
the status of being a serf
Example
Serfdom was common in medieval Europe.
serf's revolt
a rebellion of serfs against their lords
Example
The serf's revolt was brutally suppressed by the ruling class.
Origins of serf
from Old French 'serf', from Latin 'servus' meaning 'slave'
Summary: serf in Brief
'Serf' [sɜːrf] refers to an agricultural laborer who is bound to work on his lord's estate under the feudal system. The term spans contexts from the legal principle of 'serf's law' to the historical concept of 'serfdom.' Examples include 'The serfs were tied to the land and could not leave without permission,' and 'The serfdom system was abolished in Russia in 1861.'