Meaning & Definition of word "Peasantry"
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Peasantry
/ˈpɛzəntri/
noun:
- 1. the class of rural laborers or farmers, especially in a historical or sociopolitical context, often characterized by low social status and economic hardship.
- Example: The peasantry played a crucial role in the agricultural economy of medieval Europe.
- 2. the collective body of peasants in a particular region or country.
- Example: The hardships faced by the peasantry led to several uprisings throughout history.
- 3. the working-class population of rural areas, often involved in subsistence farming.
- Example: As industrialization spread, the peasantry began to diminish in number due to migration to cities.
- 4. the state or condition of being a peasant.
- Example: Many novels have explored the struggles and life of the peasantry in the 19th century.
Etymology
Derived from the French word 'paysan', meaning 'peasant', which comes from the Latin 'pagus', meaning 'country district'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
peasant uprising:
A rebellion or revolt by peasants against their rulers or landlords.
peasantry in exile:
Refers to peasants who are displaced from their land and live elsewhere.
the voice of the peasantry:
An expression referring to the opinions and rights of rural workers.
Related Words
peasant:
A poor smallholder or agricultural laborer of low social status.
agrarian:
Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land.
serfdom:
The state of being a serf; system of servitude in medieval Europe.
Slang Meanings of peasantry
Meaning: Country folk
Example Sentence: He's just a bunch of country folk, living the peasantry life.
Meaning: Farmers
Example Sentence: They always joke about being farmers, but it’s real peasantry out here.