Peonage

Pronunciation: /ˈpiːənɪdʒ/

Definitions of peonage

noun the practice of holding people in servitude or partial slavery, especially to work off a debt or other obligation

Example Sentences

A1 Peonage is a form of labor in which a person is forced to work in order to pay off a debt.

A2 The practice of peonage was common in certain parts of the world during the 19th century.

B1 Peonage was outlawed in the United States by the Peonage Act of 1867.

B2 The use of peonage as a means of controlling workers has been a topic of debate among historians.

C1 The legacy of peonage continues to impact labor relations in some countries today.

C2 Scholars have studied the economic and social implications of peonage in depth.

Examples of peonage in a Sentence

formal The practice of peonage was outlawed in the United States in 1867.

informal Some argue that certain industries still rely on peonage to exploit cheap labor.

slang I heard that company is known for their peonage tactics.

figurative Being stuck in a dead-end job can feel like a form of peonage.

Grammatical Forms of peonage

• plural: peonages
• comparative: more peonage
• superlative: most peonage
• present tense: peonages
• future tense: will peonage
• perfect tense: have peonaged
• continuous tense: is peonaging
• singular: peonage
• positive degree: peonage
• infinitive: to peonage
• gerund: peonaging
• participle: peonaged

Origin and Evolution of peonage

First Known Use: 1829 year

Language of Origin: Spanish

Story behind the word: The word 'peonage' originated from the Spanish word 'peonaje', which referred to a system of labor in which debtors were forced to work off their debts.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'peonage' has come to specifically refer to a system of forced labor or debt servitude, often involving exploitation and coercion.