Dictionary entry

Slavery

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Slav″er‐y (?), n.; pl.Slaveries (#). [See 2d Slave.] 1. The condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another.

Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, slavery, said I, still thou art a bitter draught! Sterne.

I wish, from my soul, that the legislature of this state could see the policy of a gradual abolition of slavery. It might prevent much future mischief. Washington.

2. A condition of subjection or submission characterized by lack of freedom of action or of will.

The vulgar slaveries rich men submit to. C. Lever.

There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish, — the slavery of caste. G. W. Cable.

3. The holding of slaves.

Syn. — Bondage; servitude; inthrallment; enslavement; captivity; bond service; vassalage.