bondman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Very Low Frequency - Historical/Literary)Historical, Literary, Archaic, Formal
Quick answer
What does “bondman” mean?
A man who is bound to serve a lord or landowner without payment, effectively a male slave or serf.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who is bound to serve a lord or landowner without payment, effectively a male slave or serf.
A male who is bound as a servant, legally tied to another's service, either by law, contract, or force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning or usage. Both dialects consider it archaic. It may appear slightly more frequently in British texts due to the UK's longer history of feudalism.
Connotations
In both, it carries strong historical/literary weight. It is not used in modern contexts except for metaphorical effect.
Frequency
Extremely low in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical novels or academic history.
Grammar
How to Use “bondman” in a Sentence
[bondman] of [lord/landowner][bondman] to [lord/landowner]a/the [bondman]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bondman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lord attempted to bondman the captured villagers.
- (Historical/Literary use only)
American English
- The practice to bondman captives was abolished centuries ago.
- (Historical/Literary use only)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies, literature, or legal history discussing feudalism, slavery, or social hierarchies.
Everyday
Not used. Would be considered highly unusual and archaic.
Technical
Used as a precise term in historical or legal contexts to denote a specific type of unfree labourer.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bondman”
- Using it in a modern context (e.g., 'corporate bondman').
- Confusing it with 'bondsman' (one who provides bail bond).
- Spelling as 'bond man' (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and historical term. You will only encounter it in historical, literary, or legal history contexts.
While both denote unfree status, 'bondman' (or serf) is typically tied to land and feudal obligations, whereas 'slave' is a broader term for human chattel owned by another. A bondman's condition was often hereditary but tied to a specific place and lord.
No, the term is specifically male. The female equivalent is 'bondwoman' or 'bondmaid'.
Historically, they were synonyms. In modern American English, however, 'bondsman' almost exclusively refers to a person who provides bail bond for someone accused of a crime, while 'bondman' remains the historical term.
A man who is bound to serve a lord or landowner without payment, effectively a male slave or serf.
Bondman is usually historical, literary, archaic, formal in register.
Bondman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒndmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːndmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From bondman to freeman (a story of liberation)”
- “Neither bondman nor free (a state of equality)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a man in BONDage (bond-man), legally BONDed to serve a master.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVITUDE IS BONDAGE, LACK OF FREEDOM IS PHYSICAL CONSTRAINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bondman' most appropriately used today?