peonage [pee-uh-nij] ExamplesWord Origin See more synonyms for peonage on Thesaurus.com noun
- the condition or service of a peon.
- the practice of holding persons in servitude or partial slavery, as to work off a debt or to serve a penal sentence.
Origin of peonage An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; peon1 + -age Related Words for peonage serfdom, enslavement, bondage, subjugation, labor, servitude, captivity, yoke, thralldom, thrall, obedience, confinement, subjection, peonage, bonds, vassalage, enthrallment, restraint, work, grind Examples from the Web for peonage Historical Examples of peonage
Is it a wonder that he has resolved to go where peonage and blood-hounds are unknown?
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 4, 1919
Various
The master was tried for peonage in Texas, but was not convicted.
Albert Bushnell Hart
However, the peonage system is not hideous everywhere and in all its aspects.
Isaiah Bowman
The truth is that peonage is repugnant to the average American.
The Philippines Past and Present (Volume 2 of 2)
Dean Conant Worcester
But they were just a bunch of pariahs shipped here to live in peonage.
Lester del Rey
British Dictionary definitions for peonage peonage peonism (ˈpiːəˌnɪzəm) noun
- the state of being a peon
- a system in which a debtor must work for his creditor until the debt is paid off
Word Origin and History for peonage n.
1848, American English, from peon + -age.
peonage in Culture peonage [(pee-uh-nij)]
A system of forced labor based on debts incurred by workers. Peonage developed particularly in plantation economies, where employers forced laborers to buy from employer-owned stores, pay inflated prices, and stay in debt.