SERF n.
es [of villeins], existed . . . But by the customs of France and Germany, persons in this abject state seem to have been called serfs, and distinguished from villeins, who were only bound to fixed payments and duties in respect of their lord, though, as it seems, without any legal redress if injured by him. Hallam.…
UNDER prep.
being subject, of undergoing regard, treatment, or the like; as, a bill under discussion. Abject and lost, lay these, covering the flood, Under amazement of their hideous change. Milton. Under arms. (Mil.) (a) Drawn up fully armed and equipped. (b) Enrolled for military service; as, the state has a million men under ar…