Indentured Servant Meaning and Definition
Indentured Servant
Pronunciation
/ˈɪndɪnˌtərd ˈsɜːrvənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person who has signed a binding agreement to work for another person or organization for a fixed period of time, usually in exchange for food, shelter, and other basic necessities, often with limited freedom and mobility.
Etymology
The term “indentured servant” originated in the 17th century, derived from the practice of indenting or annotating a contract or agreement with a person’s personal details and the terms of their service.
Usage Notes
Indentured servants were commonly used in colonial America and other parts of the world to fill labor shortages. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to describe someone in a subservient or dependent position.
Cultural References
The term “indentured servant” has been featured in various films, literature, and historical accounts, including the popular television series “Downton Abbey” and the historical novel “The Red Badge of Courage”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To serve a sentence as an indentured servant
Related Words or Phrases
- Servant
- Slave
- Apprentice
Collocations
- Indentured servant contract
- Indentured servant life
Frequency of Use
The term “indentured servant” is relatively rare in modern language, but still used in historical and academic contexts to describe the practice of indentured servitude.
Common Misspellings
- Indentured servent
- Indenturd servant
Additional Information
Indentured servitude was a common practice in many societies throughout history, where individuals would sign a contract to work for another person or organization for a fixed period of time. This practice was often used to fill labor shortages and provide a source of income for the indentured servant. While the term is often associated with a negative connotation, it is also an important part of history, highlighting the social and economic structures of the past.