Thralldom
/ˈθrɔːl.dəm/noun
The state of being a thrall or slave; servitude.
Did you know?The term 'thralldom' is rooted in ancient Norse culture, where being a thrall meant being bound not just physically but also magically to your master.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*thrāwō
“bondage; captivity”
Old Norse
ON
þræll
“slave; one who is bound or in servitude”
Old English
OE
þrǣl
“slave; a person in servitude or bondage”
Middle English
ME
thral
“a person in servitude, often with a connotation of being owned”
15th Century
Middle English
thralldom
“the condition of being a thrall or slave; servitude; bondage”
Modern English
English
thralldom
“the state of being enslaved or in servitude.”