bondsman
Quick Summary
The term "bondsman" has two primary meanings. Historically, particularly in the context of the Frankish era in the Low Countries, a bondsman was at the bottom of the social ladder. These individuals were closely dependent on a lord, often working on their estates. This usage aligns with the definition of a slave or serf.12
In a more general sense, a bondsman is someone who assumes responsibility for a bond, acting as a surety. This meaning is distinct from the historical social position of a bondsman as a dependent or enslaved person. The antonym for a bondsman in the social context is a freeman.34
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- history of the Low CountriesSocial classes
…of the ladder were the bondsmen, who were closely dependent on a lord (often an important landowner), in whose service they stood, in most cases working on his estates. It may be supposed that the position of the bondsmen was relatively favourable in the coastal areas of Holland and Friesland,…
Read More…of the ladder were the bondsmen, who were closely dependent on a lord (often an important landowner), in whose service they stood, in most cases working on his estates. It may be supposed that the position of the bondsmen was relatively favourable in the coastal areas of Holland and Friesland,…
Read More - history of the Low CountriesSocial and economic structure
…they may be classed as bondsmen because of their being liable for various services and payments.
Read More…they may be classed as bondsmen because of their being liable for various services and payments.
Read More