CORVEE


Meaning of CORVEE in English

n.

Pronunciation: ' ko ̇ r- ˌ v ā , ko ̇ r- '

Function: noun

Etymology: French, from Medieval Latin corrogata, from Latin, feminine of corrogatus, past participle of corrogare to collect, requisition, from com- + rogare to ask ― more at RIGHT

Date: 14th century

1 : unpaid labor (as toward constructing roads) due from a feudal vassal to his lord

2 : labor exacted in lieu of taxes by public authorities especially for highway construction or repair

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.