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.

The condition of the peasantry, however, during this reign reached its lowest point, and the “recess,” or charter, of 1653 practically recognizes the existence of villenage.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various

The tenements held in villenage of the lord of a manor, at least where they consisted of a messuage or dwelling-house, are often called astra in our older books and court-rolls.

From Notes and Queries, Number 19, March 9, 1850 by Various

In the reign of Edward IV., however, it was held that a tenant in villenage had an action of trespass against the lord.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various

A copyholder without legal remedy may seem little better than a tenant in mere villenage, except in name.

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

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