Peasant
/ˈpɛz.ənt/noun
A rural farmer or laborer of low social status, especially in historical contexts.
Did you know?Peasant ultimately comes from the same Latin root as “country” and “pagoda” through the idea of a district or rural dwelling, before later becoming a loaded word for class and status.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pagus
“a rural district or country area”
Late Latin
Latin
pagensis
“a person of the district; rural inhabitant”
Old French
Old French
paisant
“country person; villager”
Middle English
English
peisant
“country dweller; rural laborer”
Modern English
English
peasant
“a rural farmer or laborer of low social status”