villenage

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the days of the most perfect villenage, they had, doubtless, eaten the bread of idleness, and claimed it as a right.

From International Miscellany of Literature, Art and Science, Vol. 1, No. 3, Oct. 1, 1850 by Various

As a villein might be enfeoffed of freeholds, though they lay at the mercy of his lord, so a freeman might hold tenements in villenage.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry

Much reference was made to the ancient laws of villenage, or semi-slavery, in Britain.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 448 Volume 18, New Series, July 31, 1852 by Chambers, William

The tenements in villenage, whether by law or usage, were never separated from the lordship, while its domain was reduced to a smaller extent through subinfeudations, sales, or demises for valuable rent.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry

Proofs of this remarkable transformation from tenants in villenage to copyholders are found in the reign of Henry III.

From View of the State of Europe during the Middle Ages, Vol. 3 by Hallam, Henry