BONDSERVANTS Meaning and
Definition
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Bondservants, also known as indentured servants or slaves, are individuals who are legally bound to serve a master or employer for a specified period of time. The term "bondservant" originated in the context of labor and servitude during historical periods when slavery was prevalent.
Bondservants typically have their freedom restricted and are considered the property of the master or employer. They are obligated to perform various tasks or labor as directed by their owners. These tasks may include domestic work, agricultural labor, or other forms of manual labor.
The duration of a bondservant's service is determined by a contractual agreement between the servant and the master, usually requiring the individual to serve for a specific number of years. At the completion of the agreed-upon term, the bondservant may be granted freedom, along with potential compensation or specific benefits as defined by the contract.
It is important to note that bondservants are legally distinct from those who are enslaved by birth or capture, as they willingly enter into a bond of servitude in exchange for specific terms and conditions outlined in a contractual agreement. However, the power dynamics inherent in such arrangements often lead to exploitation, abuse, and violations of basic human rights.
In modern times, the term "bondservant" is seldom used, as it largely reflects historical practices that have been abolished or heavily regulated by legal frameworks and societal norms promoting freedom and equality.
Common Misspellings for BONDSERVANTS
- bondservant
- Bondservent
- vondservants
- nondservants
- hondservants
- gondservants
- bindservants
- bkndservants
- blndservants
- bpndservants
- b0ndservants
- b9ndservants
- bobdservants
- bomdservants
- bojdservants
- bohdservants
- bonsservants
- bonxservants
- boncservants
- bonfservants
Etymology of BONDSERVANTS
The word "bondservants" comes from the combination of two words: "bond" and "servant".
The word "bond" can be traced back to the Old English word "bann", which meant a formal proclamation or command. Over time, the meaning of "bond" evolved to refer to a binding obligation or agreement, particularly in the context of contractual agreements or legal obligations. In the Middle English period, the term "bonde" emerged, specifically referring to a serf or peasant who was legally bound to work on a particular landholding.
The word "servant" originated from the Latin word "servire", meaning "to serve". It entered the English language through the Old French term "servant", which had a similar meaning.
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