villenage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Much reference was made to the ancient laws of villenage, or semi-slavery, in Britain.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 448 Volume 18, New Series, July 31, 1852 by Chambers, William

This increase of villenage morally depressed the peasantry, and widened still further the breach between the yeomanry and the gentry.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 2 "Demijohn" to "Destructor" by Various

The condition of villenage, at least in later times, was perfectly relative; it formed no distinct order in the political economy.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry

From so disadvantageous a condition as this of villenage it may cause some surprise that the peasantry of England should have ever emerged.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry

It is obvious, however, that judgment was in no case given in favour of the plea; so that we can infer nothing as to the actual continuance of villenage.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry