Heros and villains

We are so used to the word hero and villain.  But the original meaning was semi slavery

And bonded labour ears fighting against land lords who were the supposed heroes!

vil·lein

 noun \ˈvi-lən, ˈvi-ˌlān, vi-ˈlān\

Definition of VILLEIN

1

: a free common villager or village peasant of any of the feudal classes lower in rank than the thane

2

: a free peasant of a feudal class higher in rank than a cotter

3

: an unfree peasant standing as the slave of a feudal lord but free in legal relations with respect to all others

 See villein defined for kids »

Origin of VILLEIN

Middle English vilain, vilein — more at villain

First Known Use: 14th century