Galley Slave

Pronunciation: /ˈɡæli sleɪv/

Definitions of galley slave

noun a person who is forced to row in a galley as a form of punishment

Example Sentences

A1 The galley slave rowed the boat tirelessly.

A2 In ancient times, galley slaves were often prisoners of war.

B1 The novel depicted the harsh life of a galley slave in the 18th century.

B2 The movie portrayed the brutal conditions faced by galley slaves on the ship.

C1 Historians have debated the role and treatment of galley slaves in maritime history.

C2 The documentary shed light on the experiences of galley slaves and their impact on naval warfare.

Examples of galley slave in a Sentence

formal In ancient times, a galley slave was a prisoner who was forced to row a ship as a form of punishment.

informal I feel like a galley slave with all the work I have to do around here.

slang I ain't gonna be no galley slave for nobody.

figurative Working in that office felt like being a galley slave, with all the repetitive tasks and long hours.

Grammatical Forms of galley slave

• plural: galley slaves
• comparative: more galley slave
• superlative: most galley slave
• present tense: is a galley slave
• future tense: will be a galley slave
• perfect tense: has been a galley slave
• continuous tense: is being a galley slave
• singular: galley slave
• positive degree: galley slave
• infinitive: to be a galley slave
• gerund: being a galley slave
• participle: been a galley slave

Origin and Evolution of galley slave

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The term 'galley slave' originated from the practice of using prisoners or slaves to row the oars on ancient galleys, which were long, narrow ships propelled primarily by rowing.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'galley slave' has evolved to be used metaphorically to describe someone who is forced to work hard and continuously, often under harsh conditions, without any choice or freedom.