Esclavage

/ɛsˈklavɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

Slavery or the state of being enslaved; a condition of bondage or forced servitude.

Etymology

From Old French 'esclavage,' derived from 'esclaf' or 'esclave' (slave), which came from Slavic sources (originally referring to Slavic peoples captured as slaves). The -age suffix forms abstract nouns.

Kelly Says

The word 'slave' itself comes from 'Slav' because so many Slavic people were enslaved in medieval Europe—a tragic etymology that reveals historical injustice.

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