What does peonage mean?
A system of forced labor, especially in the southern United States, in which a person is required to work for a landowner in order to pay off a debt or to avoid punishment. A person who is forced to work in such a system.
Example
"The use of peonage in the 19th century was a form of modern-day slavery."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.