colonus

[kuh-loh-nuh s]

noun, plural co·lo·ni

[kuh-loh-nahy, -nee] /kəˈloʊ naɪ, -ni/.

a serf in the latter period of the Roman Empire or in the early feudal period.

Origin of colonus

1885–90; < Latin colōnus inhabitant of a colony, tenant-farmer, farmer, derivative of colere to inhabit, till, cultivate; cf. cult, cultivate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for coloni

Historical Examples of coloni

These are the services of the coloni or accol of the Church.
The English Village Community
Frederic Seebohm
Lastly, it has been observed that the coloni or accol did not give 'week-work.'
The English Village Community
Frederic Seebohm
Roman colonies (coloni civium cum jure suffragii et honorum).
History of Julius Caesar Vol. 1 of 2
Napoleon III, Emperor of the French, 1808-1873.
They most likely sank into the ordinary condition of the large class of 'coloni,' &c., on the great provincial estates.
The English Village Community
Frederic Seebohm
Concerning the freemen of the Church who are called 'coloni,' let all pay to the Church just as the coloni of the king.
The English Village Community
Frederic Seebohm