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 Canada, the bail system is largely predicated on community trust and connections and does not involve large cash deposits and commercial bail bondmen, as it does in many U.S. states.

From New York Times

Whenever George and Martha's bondmen and women did flee, the first couple seemed to regard them as disloyal ingrates.

From BBC

As was too often the case, a handful of nervous bondmen informed their masters of what was afoot.

From New York Times

There are boxing ghosts in this three-room gym, which lies sandwiched between a tire shop and bail bondman's office.

From Los Angeles Times

A tuition freeze throughout the University of Wisconsin system, a provision giving the governor more latitude to sell state property and legalizing bail bondmen are also part of the spending plan.

From Reuters

Related Words

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