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.

And even the peasants themselves, though later than other orders of the state, made their escape from those bonds of villenage or slavery in which they had formerly been retained.

From The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part B. From Henry III. to Richard III. by Hume, David

But the germs of freedom did not die, for villenage in Normandy was lighter, and60 ceased far sooner, than in the rest of France.

From The Story of Rouen by Cook, Theodore Andrea, Sir

The tenements in villenage, whether by law or usage, were never separated from the lordship, while its domain was reduced to a smaller extent through subinfeudations, sales, or demises for valuable rent.

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

After this manner villenage went gradually into disuse throughout the more civilized parts of Europe: the interest of the master, as well as that of the slave, concurred in this alteration.

From The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part B. From Henry III. to Richard III. by Hume, David

As a villein might be enfeoffed of freeholds, though they lay at the mercy of his lord, so a freeman might hold tenements in villenage.

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