The spelling of the term "articled servant" is quite simple once its IPA phonetic transcription is understood. The first syllable "ar-" is pronounced just like the sound of the letter "R", followed by the "t" sound in the second syllable "-ti-" and a short "k" sound in the third syllable "-ld". Finally, the word concludes with the "servant" sound, pronounced as "sɜːvənt". The term articled servant refers to a person bound by a contract of apprenticeship to a master or employer, commonly used in British English during the 18th and 19th centuries.
An "articled servant" refers to an individual who has entered into a legal agreement, known as an apprenticeship or articles of indenture, to provide labor or services in exchange for training or education in a specific trade or profession. The term originated in England during the 18th and 19th centuries and was commonly used to describe individuals entering certain professions such as law, accountancy, or medicine.
The process of becoming an articled servant typically involved signing a binding contract, known as articles of apprenticeship or indenture, which outlined the terms and conditions of the arrangement between the servant and the master. The servant, often referred to as an apprentice, would agree to work for a specified period of time, ranging from three to seven years, under the guidance and supervision of a master who possessed the necessary skills and qualifications in the chosen field.
During this apprenticeship period, the articled servant would receive practical training, gain experience, and acquire knowledge in the chosen trade or profession through hands-on work under the guidance of the master. The master, in return, would offer instruction, guidance, and a certain level of supervision to ensure the development of the servant's skills and competence.
By the end of the agreed-upon period, the articled servant would ideally have attained a level of proficiency and knowledge in the chosen profession, enabling them to pursue independent work in the field. The concept of articled servants provided a structured and regulated system for professional training and development during historical times. While the term is less commonly used today, it remains a historic representation of the apprenticeship system in various professions.
The term "articled servant" is primarily used in the context of colonial America and refers to a person who worked as an apprentice, bound by an indenture contract with a master to learn a trade or profession.
The word "article" in this context originally comes from "Indenture", which was a legal document often written on parchment or paper, with distinctive markings or cuts along the top, hence the name "indenture". document was duplicated by cutting in a wavy or zigzag pattern, creating two or more copies, each bearing corresponding marks, to prevent counterfeiting.
The term "articled servant" is a combination of "article" or "indenture" and "servant", indicating that the individual was bound by a contract to serve as an apprentice or servant for a specific period, typically ranging from three to seven years, in exchange for training, food, accommodation, and sometimes a small stipend.