The term “bondman” is not commonly used in everyday language, but it is still important to understand its definition and meaning. It is a word that has been used throughout history to describe a person who is legally bound to another, often as a form of servitude or slavery. In this article, we will explore the various definitions and associations of the word “bondman.”
Definitions
A bondman is someone who is legally bound to serve another person or entity. This could be through a contract, debt, or other agreement. In the context of history, a bondman was often a slave or servant who was owned by a master. The term can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is in a position of subservience or dependency.
Origin
The word “bondman” comes from the Old English word “bóndi,” which means “a person who lives on the land of another.” The term was commonly used in medieval times to describe a person who was bound to a lord or master in exchange for protection or land.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of “bondman” is consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a male slave or serf” or “a man bound to service without wages.” The Oxford English Dictionary offers a similar definition, describing a bondman as “a man who is bound to service or labour for another by a bond or contract.”
Associations
The term “bondman” is often associated with slavery and servitude. In the context of history, it was used to describe a person who was owned by another and forced to work without pay. Today, the term is less commonly used in this way, but it can still be used to describe a person in a position of dependency or subservience.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for “bondman,” including slave, serf, servant, and vassal. These words all describe a person who is legally bound to another and forced to work without pay or other compensation.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “bondman” are words that describe freedom and independence, such as free, liberated, and autonomous. These words represent the opposite of being bound to another and forced to work without pay.
The same root words
The word “bondman” is derived from the Old English word “bóndi,” which is also the root word for “bondage” and “bondage servant.” These words all describe a person who is legally bound to another and forced to work without pay.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word “bondman”:
- The lord owned several bondmen who worked on his land.
- The debtors were forced to become bondmen in exchange for their debts being forgiven.
- The king’s vassals were loyal bondmen who served him in exchange for land and protection.
- The company’s employees were not bondmen, but they were still in a position of dependency on their employer.