slavery Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the state of being under the control of another person
    thrall; thraldom; thralldom; bondage.
  2. noun the practice of owning slaves
    slaveholding.
  3. noun work done under harsh conditions for little or no pay

WordNet

Slav"er*y noun
Etymology
See 2d Slave.
Wordforms
plural Slaveries
Definitions
  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 [Virginia] 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.

Webster 1913