Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

villein

Noun

/ˈvɪleɪn/

Definition

A villein was a type of unfree peasant in the feudal system, who was bound to the land and subject to the authority of a lord.

Examples

The villein worked tirelessly in the fields from dawn until dusk.
Many villeins aspired to earn their freedom through hard work and loyalty to their lord.

Meaning

The term ‘villein’ refers to a peasant in the Middle Ages who was legally tied to a lord’s estate. Villeins had certain obligations, such as working the lord’s land, but they could also own property.