noun
peon
A laborer forced to work to pay off a debt.
The peon cannot leave the farm until his debt is paid.
Etymology
Spanish peón named a foot soldier or laborer. In systems of debt peonage, the laborer’s role became one of compulsory work tied to repayment.
More examples
- Store charges kept the peons in debt year after year.
- As a peon, she was forced to work for her creditor.
- The law freed peons from compulsory labor for unpaid debts.
Forms
peon · peons
peonage noun — A system of forced labor for debts.