The term "serflike" refers to a characteristic or quality associated with serfs, who were peasants bound to work on a lord's estate during the feudal system. The word is typically used as an adjective to describe individuals or situations exhibiting traits similar to those of serfs.
A 200-word dictionary definition of "serflike" would be as follows:
"Serflike" is an adjective that describes a person, behavior, or condition that resembles or evokes the qualities of serfdom. During the feudal system, serfs were peasants who worked the land and were bound to the estates of their lords, generally lacking personal freedom or entitlement to their own produce. Therefore, when something is described as "serflike," it implies a lack of autonomy, independence, or agency.
This term can also denote servile behavior, subservience, or the willingness to submit to authority without questioning or resisting. It suggests an individual who is resigned to their situation, accepting the dominance and control exerted over them, much like serfs were subject to the power and authority of the ruling class.
The adjective "serflike" can also encompass notions of limited opportunities or social mobility, restricted rights, and a general state of socio-economic dependency. It conjures images of an individual held in a subordinate position, dependent on others for their survival and livelihood.
Overall, the term "serflike" characterizes individuals, attitudes, or circumstances that mirror the characteristics of serfs in a feudal society, emphasizing circumstances of servitude, limited freedoms, and subservient behavior.
