Pronunciation: [bˈɒndwʊmən] (IPA) 
The word "bondwoman" is spelled with a silent "d" which may cause confusion for non-native speakers. The IPA transcription for this word is /ˈbɒndwʊmən/. The "d" is silent and not pronounced as it often happens with words ending in "-nd". The stress is on the first syllable and the "o" is pronounced as the "o" in "not". This word refers to a female slave who has been bound in service to a master or mistress.
A bondwoman refers to a female individual who is held in a state of servitude or bondage by another, typically as a result of being enslaved or placed under a contractual agreement. The term "bondwoman" is historically associated with the time when slavery was prevalent, especially in ancient times or during the era of transatlantic slave trade.
In a broader sense, a bondwoman can also refer to a woman who is under subjugation, servitude, or forced labor against her will, due to various circumstances such as indigence, debt, or coercion. This definition encompasses instances of women who may not be specifically enslaved but are bound by economic or societal constraints that limit their freedom and autonomy.
The term "bondwoman" implies a stark power imbalance and restriction of personal liberties. It signifies the absence of agency and control over one's own destiny, where decisions and actions are dictated by another individual or institution. However, it is important to note that the term "bondwoman" has largely fallen out of usage in modern times as the institution of slavery has been abolished in most countries. Consequently, the term is primarily employed in historical or literary contexts to depict the experiences and hardships faced by enslaved women throughout history.
The word "bondwoman" is composed of two elements: "bond" and "woman".
1. "Bond" is derived from Middle English "bonde", which comes from Old English "bonda", meaning "serf" or "slave". This term ultimately originates from the Old Norse word "bóndi", meaning "householder" or "peasant".
2. "Woman" comes from Old English "wīfmann", which means "female human being" and is a compound of "wīf" (woman) and "mann" (human being).
Therefore, the term "bondwoman" refers to a female serf or slave.
