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Simple English definitions for legal terms
serf
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A quick definition of serf:
A serf is a person who was bound to work for a lord and had no freedom to leave. They were not slaves, but they were tied to the land they worked on and had to do whatever their lord told them to do. In the past, the word "villein" was used to describe unfree peasants, but "serf" was also sometimes used. This system was not fair, but it was better than full slavery because serfs were not considered property.
A more thorough explanation:
A serf is a person who is in a condition of feudal servitude. They are bound to labor at the will of a lord and are considered to be a villein. Unlike slaves, serfs are bound to the native soil rather than being the absolute property of a master.
For example, in medieval Europe, serfs were peasants who were tied to the land they worked on. They were not allowed to leave without the permission of their lord and were required to give a portion of their crops to their lord as rent.
Another example is in Russia during the 16th to 19th centuries, where serfs were tied to the land and were considered the property of their lord. They were required to work for their lord and were not allowed to leave without permission.
These examples illustrate how serfs were bound to their land and lord, and were required to work for them without much freedom or autonomy.