villeinage

or vil·lain·age, vil·lan·age, vil·len·age

[ vil-uh-nij ]

noun

1. the tenure by which a villein held land and tenements from a lord.
2. the condition or status of a villein.

villeinage

/ ˈvɪlənɪdʒ /

noun

1. the status and condition of a villein
2. the tenure by which a villein held his land

Word History and Origins

Origin of villeinage¹

1275–1325; Middle English vilenage < Anglo-French, Old French. See villein, -age

Example Sentences

Once elected, whether by the actual ceremony or by a survival of it, he assumed control over the tenants in villeinage and over the waste lands of the tribe.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not necessary for us further to notice the existence of villeinage or slavery in these kingdoms.

From Project Gutenberg

Feudalism, too, had its proletariat—the villeinage—which contains all the germs of the middle class.

From Project Gutenberg

Husbandry land held in villeinage was inherited according to the custom of its manor as administered in the lords manorial court.

From Project Gutenberg

The rebels at first demanded no more than that Richard should declare villeinage abolished, and that all feudal dues and services should be commuted for a rent of fourpence an acre.

From Project Gutenberg