Bondwoman - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

slavery

A woman who is enslaved or in servitude, often considered the property of another person. Bondwomen were common in many societies throughout history.

Synonyms

indentured servant, slave woman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bondwoman	Used historically to describe a woman in debt bondage or forced labor, often within a legal framework. The bondwoman worked tirelessly in the fields to repay the debt of her family. Historical records show that bondwomen were often subject to harsh conditions and limited freedoms.
slave woman	Specifically describes a woman who is the property of another person and has no personal freedom. The term is highly negative and associated with extreme exploitation and historically significant human rights abuses. The slave woman was subjected to harsh treatment and had no say over her own life. Accounts of the era reveal the brutal realities faced by many slave women.
indentured servant	Refers to a person, regardless of gender, who agrees to work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to a new country, room, and board. Often used in historical context and is less negative than 'slave.' Many immigrants became indentured servants to pay for their voyage to the New World. As an indentured servant, she was bound to her employer for five years.

Word

Description / Examples

bondwoman

Used historically to describe a woman in debt bondage or forced labor, often within a legal framework.

The bondwoman worked tirelessly in the fields to repay the debt of her family.
Historical records show that bondwomen were often subject to harsh conditions and limited freedoms.

slave woman

Specifically describes a woman who is the property of another person and has no personal freedom. The term is highly negative and associated with extreme exploitation and historically significant human rights abuses.

The slave woman was subjected to harsh treatment and had no say over her own life.
Accounts of the era reveal the brutal realities faced by many slave women.

indentured servant

Refers to a person, regardless of gender, who agrees to work for a set number of years in exchange for passage to a new country, room, and board. Often used in historical context and is less negative than 'slave.'

Many immigrants became indentured servants to pay for their voyage to the New World.
As an indentured servant, she was bound to her employer for five years.

Examples of usage

The bondwoman worked in the fields from sunrise to sunset.
The bondwoman had no freedom to make her own choices.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

In ancient societies, bondwomen were often captured in wars and forced into servitude.
The term 'bondwoman' is closely associated with slavery, especially in historical texts focusing on American history.
Bondwomen were sometimes expected to bear children for their masters, a practice that added complexity to their status.

Legislation and Rights

In the United States, the abolition of slavery during the Civil War led to the freedom of bondwomen, though many struggled for rights afterwards.
The 13th Amendment in 1865 abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, changing the legal status of bondwomen forever.
International laws today recognize rights against forced labor, with bondwomen being a historical reference point for these protections.

Cultural Representation

Literature often depicts bondwomen to explore themes of freedom, choice, and resilience, showcasing their struggles and journeys.
Films and novels set in historical contexts frequently highlight the lives of bondwomen to educate audiences about the impact of slavery.
Bondwomen have been portrayed as figures of strength in resistance movements, emphasizing their roles in history beyond servitude.

Psychology and Sociology

The role of bondwomen in history has influenced modern discussions about race, gender, and power dynamics in society.
Studies about the psychological impact of being a bondwoman reveal long-lasting effects on identity and community interactions.
Sociological research often examines the legacy of bondwomen and how their experiences have shaped contemporary issues of race and gender.

Modern Parallel

Human trafficking continues to create situations where women are forced into labor, drawing troubling parallels to the historical concept of bondwomen.
Organizations today work to support survivors of modern slavery, advocating for the rights of those still facing situations reminiscent of bondwomen.
The awareness of bondwomen's history contributes to ongoing efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality in contemporary society.

Origin of 'bondwoman'

The term 'bondwoman' dates back to the Old English period, where it was used to refer to a woman who was in bondage or servitude. It has been used in various historical contexts to describe women who were enslaved or held in servitude against their will. The concept of bondwomen has been prevalent in societies where slavery was practiced, and their status and rights were often determined by the laws and customs of the time.

Bondwoman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations