villenage

noun

vil·​len·​age ˈvi-lə-nij How to pronounce villenage (audio)
1
: tenure at the will of a feudal lord by villein services
2
: the status of a villein

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from vilein, vilain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of villenage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near villenage

Cite this Entry

“Villenage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/villenage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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