Main Entry: cor·vée

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯr-ˌvā, kȯr-ˈ\

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from Medieval Latin corrogata, from Latin, feminine of corrogatus, past participle of corrogare to collect, requisition, from com- + rogare to ask — more at right

Date: 14th century

1 : unpaid labor (as toward constructing roads) due from a feudal vassal to his lord
2 : labor exacted in lieu of taxes by public authorities especially for highway construction or repair