Bondswoman: meaning, definitions and examples

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bondswoman

[ˈbɒndzwʊmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

A bondswoman is a woman who is bound by indenture to serve a master for a certain period of time, typically in exchange for passage to a new land or for the payment of debts. Bondswomen were commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries in the American colonies.

Synonyms

bondmaid, indentured servant, servant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bondswoman	A term historically used to refer to a female slave or someone bound to serve another person. This term is considered outdated and offensive in modern usage. The bondswoman was forced to work in harsh conditions.
indentured servant	Refers to a person who is bound by a contract to work for another person for a specified period of time, often to pay off a debt or as part of an agreement for passage to a new country. This term is historically accurate but should be used with sensitivity. Many early settlers in America arrived as indentured servants.
bondmaid	An archaic term for a female slave or servant who is bound to serve someone without freedom. It carries a negative connotation and is rarely used today. In ancient times, the bondmaid had very little personal freedom.
servant	A general term for a person who is employed to perform duties for others, especially in a household. This term is still in use today, though it can imply a hierarchy and may be considered old-fashioned. She worked as a servant in the wealthy family's estate.

Examples of usage

The bondswoman worked on the plantation for five years before gaining her freedom.
She signed a contract to become a bondswoman in exchange for her brother's release from debt.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

In ancient times, a bondswoman referred to a female slave or servant who was owned by another person and had no freedom or rights of her own. Bondswomen were often bought and sold as property and had to work for their owners without any pay or autonomy.

Synonyms

captive, female slave, servant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bondswoman	Generally used in historical contexts to refer to a woman who is legally bound to serve another person. In medieval times, a bondswoman had very few rights and was bound to her master's will
female slave	Refers to a woman who is owned by another person. It carries a very negative connotation due to historical associations with forced labor and human rights abuses. Tragically, she was sold as a female slave and had to endure years of suffering
servant	A more general term for someone employed to perform duties for another person. It is less forceful than 'slave' and does not necessarily imply lack of freedom. The servant prepared dinner for the family every evening
captive	Used to describe someone who is imprisoned or confined, not necessarily in a servitude context. It can be temporary and is often found in stories of kidnap or war. The army liberated the captives from the enemy camp

Examples of usage

The bondswoman was treated as property and had no say in her own affairs.
She was born into slavery and spent her life as a bondswoman to a wealthy landowner.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'bondswoman' was commonly used in the 19th century in the context of slavery, especially in the United States, where many women were forced into service.
Bondswomen often had specific legal agreements that bound them to their masters, distinguishing them from free women and creating a system of inherent inequality.

Social Dynamics

Many bondswomen had to endure harsh conditions and were often subjected to difficult labor, making their contributions crucial to the economy of their time.
A significant number of bondswomen developed strong community ties, often supporting each other and finding ways to resist their oppression.

Literature

Several classic novels, such as 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl' by Harriet Jacobs, highlight the plight of bondswomen and the struggles they faced for freedom and dignity.
Bondswomen's experiences have inspired many modern authors to write about resilience, identity, and the fight against oppression.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, bondswomen were able to negotiate better conditions through cleverness and strategy, marking a significant approach to resistance.
Traditional stories often portrayed bondswomen as figures of strength and survival, reflecting the complexity of their lives and struggles.

Modern Connections

The history of bondswomen resonates with discussions today around human rights, labor, and the treatment of marginalized groups.
Recognizing the contributions and struggles of bondswomen is vital in understanding the historical context of female empowerment and social justice movements.

Translations

Translations of the word "bondswoman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escrava

🇮🇳 बंधक महिला

🇩🇪 Leibeigene

🇮🇩 budak perempuan

🇺🇦 рабиня

🇵🇱 niewolnica

🇯🇵 女奴隷 (じょどれい)

🇫🇷 esclave

🇪🇸 esclava

🇹🇷 kadın köle

🇰🇷 여자 노예 (yeoja noye)

🇸🇦 جارية

🇨🇿 otrokyne

🇸🇰 otrokyňa

🇨🇳 女奴 (nǚ nú)

🇸🇮 sužnja

🇮🇸 þrælka

🇰🇿 құл әйел

🇬🇪 მონა ქალი

🇦🇿 qadın kölə

🇲🇽 esclava