Serf
/ˈsɜrf/
Definitions
- (n.) A tenant in medieval Europe bound to a lord's land and subject to the lord's legal authority.
The serf was obligated to provide labor and part of his harvest to the lord of the manor.
Forms
- serf
- serfs
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term 'serf' is historically situated in feudal legal systems, reflecting personal dependency rather than outright ownership typical of slavery.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.