serfdom

Definitions

serf (a variant of serv, from servus 'slave') + -dom ('state, realm') = the state of being a serf. A serf was a feudal peasant bound to the land — not quite a slave, but not free. The 'serf' spelling came through Old French, while 'serv-' words came more directly from Latin.

Common Collocations

• 1.abolition of serfdom废除农奴制
• 2.under serfdom在农奴制下

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Russia abolished serfdom in 1861.

• 2.

  Under serfdom, peasants could not leave the land they worked.