serf

[sɜːrf]

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'

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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.'