Slavery vs. Serfdom

Slaverynoun

An institution or social practice of owning human beings as property, especially for use as forced laborers.

Serfdomnoun

The state of being a serf.

Slaverynoun

A condition of servitude endured by a slave.

Serfdomnoun

The feudal system that includes serfs.

Slaverynoun

(figuratively) A condition in which one is captivated or subjugated, as by greed or drugs.

Serfdomnoun

the state of a serf

Slaveryadjective

Covered in slaver; slobbery.

Serfdom

Serfdom was the status of many peasants under feudalism, specifically relating to manorialism, and similar systems. It was a condition of debt bondage and indentured servitude with similarities to and differences from slavery, which developed during the Late Antiquity and Early Middle Ages in Europe and lasted in some countries until the mid-19th century.Unlike slaves, serfs could not be bought, sold, or traded individually though they could, depending on the area, be sold together with land.

Slaverynoun

The condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another.

‘Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, slavery, said I, still thou art a bitter draught!’; ‘I wish, from my soul, that the legislature of this state [Virginia] could see the policy of a gradual abolition of slavery. It might prevent much future mischief.’;

Slaverynoun

A condition of subjection or submission characterized by lack of freedom of action or of will.

‘The vulgar slaveries rich men submit to.’; ‘There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish, - the slavery of caste.’;

Slaverynoun

The holding of slaves.

Slaverynoun

the state of being under the control of another person

Slaverynoun

the practice of owning slaves

Slaverynoun

work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay

Slavery

Slavery and enslavement are both the state and the condition of being a slave, who is someone forbidden to quit their service for another person (a slaver), while treated as property. Slavery typically involves the enslaved person being made to perform some form of work while also having their location dictated by the slaver.