Meaning & Definition of word "Peasantry"
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.