servile work

noun

1. RC Church work of a physical nature that is forbidden on Sundays and on certain holidays

Example Sentences

All servile work was forbidden on this day holy to the Lord; and all over the house, and in the face of all the family, I observed a kind of festal air.

From Project Gutenberg

Jesus, not content with curing, also authorised those he cured to violate the Sabbath by carrying their bed, which was a servile work; or rather these unbelievers regarded the miracles of the saviour as mere delusions, impostures, tricks of dexterity, and himself as a cheat who might excite disturbances.

From Project Gutenberg

Part of the land he reserved to himself, and this formed the demesnes of the manor, properly so called: other parts of the land he granted out to his villeins, or slaves, permitting them, as an act of pure grace and favour, to enjoy such lands at his pleasure; but sometimes enjoining, in return for such favour, the performance of certain agricultural services, such, for instance, as ploughing the demesne, carting the manure, and other such servile work.

From Project Gutenberg

Menial, mē′ni-al, adj. of or pertaining to a train of servants: doing servile work: low.—n. a domestic servant: one performing servile work: a person of servile disposition.

From Project Gutenberg

When, however, the authorities, both French and Italian, were assembled for the performance of this servile work, Zingarelli refused to have anything to do with it, and added that nothing would induce him to acknowledge the rule of the Corsican usurper.

From Project Gutenberg