bondman

[ bond-muh n ]

/ ˈbɒnd mən /

a male slave.

a man bound to service without wages.

Old English Law. a villein or other unfree tenant.

Nearby words

First recorded in 1200–50, bondman is from the Middle English word bonde man. See bond², man¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

A bondman could not marry without his master's consent; nor engage in trade; nor refuse work assigned to him.
History of the United States|Charles A. Beard and Mary R. Beard
And now Michael determined, if possible, to make Everope his bondman.
Trevethlan: Volume 1|William Davy Watson
The President's somewhat fantastic proposition was not claimed by him to be for the bondman's benefit.
The Abolitionists|John F. Hume
I came a freeman into prison; I will not go forth a bondman.
Fox's Book of Martyrs|John Foxe

There was no fear of consequences to deter him from smiting his bondman, even unto death.
Watch and Wait|Oliver Optic

mid-13c., "husband, husbandman," from Middle English bond (see bondage) + man (n.). Later, "man in bondage, slave" (mid-14c.).