Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
serf
noun
/sɜːrf/
Definition
A serf is a laborer who is bound under the feudal system to work on his lord’s estate.
Examples
- During the Middle Ages, many peasants lived as serfs, working the land for their lords.
- Serfs were often obligated to provide a portion of their harvest as rent.
- The rights of serfs were limited, and they could not leave the land without the lord’s permission.
Meaning
The term refers to a person who was not free and was required to work for a lord in exchange for protection and land to cultivate.
Synonyms
- peasant
- laborer
- bondman
