servile work

British  

noun

1. RC Church work of a physical nature that is forbidden on Sundays and on certain holidays

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Example Sentences

Part of the land he reserved to himself, and this formed the demesnes of the manor, properly so called: other parts of the land he granted out to his villeins, or slaves, permitting them, as an act of pure grace and favour, to enjoy such lands at his pleasure; but sometimes enjoining, in return for such favour, the performance of certain agricultural services, such, for instance, as ploughing the demesne, carting the manure, and other such servile work.

From Project Gutenberg

Menial, mē′ni-al, adj. of or pertaining to a train of servants: doing servile work: low.—n. a domestic servant: one performing servile work: a person of servile disposition.

From Project Gutenberg

When, however, the authorities, both French and Italian, were assembled for the performance of this servile work, Zingarelli refused to have anything to do with it, and added that nothing would induce him to acknowledge the rule of the Corsican usurper.

From Project Gutenberg

Since the council of Trent the practice of the Church with respect to the prohibition of servile work on holidays has varied considerably in different Catholic countries, and even in the same country at different times.

From Project Gutenberg

Consequently, she was dispensed from all servile work in order that her arms might be kept delicate and her hands soft.

From Project Gutenberg