serf
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
Historically, a laborer in a feudal system who was bound to work on a lord's land and could not leave without permission.
Synonyms and antonyms
Usage notes
Unlike a slave, a serf could not be bought or sold separately from the land, but was still legally bound to it.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Under the feudal system, a _____ owed labor and a share of crops to the local lord."
Answer: serf
In your own words, what does "serf" mean?
Historically, a laborer in a feudal system who was bound to work on a lord's land and could not leave without permission.
Learn next at B1
- serfdom A historical system in which peasants were legally bound to work on la...
- series circuit An electric circuit in which components are connected one after anothe...
- seriously In a serious manner, or used to emphasize that something is true or im...
- servant A person employed to perform household or personal duties for another.
- severe Very serious, intense, or extreme, especially in a way that causes har...
- sex Either of the two main categories, male and female, into which people...