Serfdom
/ˈsɜːrfdəm/noun
The state or condition of being a serf, especially under feudal obligation.
Did you know?Serfdom comes from the same Latin root as words for slavery and service, showing how “serving” and “being owned” were once dangerously close in meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*serp- / *ser-
“A root associated with guarding, protecting, or being in attendance; later branches developed into ideas of service and bondage.”
Latin
Latin
servus
“Slave, bondsman.”
Late Latin
Latin
servitium
“Slavery, servitude; also service.”
Old French
Old French
serf
“A slave or unfree person bound to a lord.”
Middle English
English
serfdom
“The condition or system of being a serf, or of feudal unfreedom.”
Modern English
English
serfdom
“The state of being a serf; feudal bondage.”