bondman

[ bond-muhn ]

noun

, plural bond·men.

1. a male slave.
2. a man bound to service without wages.
3. Old English Law. a villein or other unfree tenant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bondman¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English bonde man; bond ², man

Example Sentences

In those States, the bondman is disfranchised, and for the most part so are we.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it nothing that they have fallen, and yet such a wrong that the fetters of the bondman should fall?

From Project Gutenberg

If he has a name, As soon as spoken, 'tis writ on my heart I am his bondman.

From Project Gutenberg

If a bondman or slave kills another by his master's command, whether he ought to be punished for the same?

From Project Gutenberg

Then the King caused the man whom he had found asleep to be brought forward, and he proved to be a bondman.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• detainee
• hostage
• prisoner
• prisoner of war
• slave