Corvée meaning

Corvée was a form of unfree labor required by the government for public works.


Corvée definitions

Word backwards eévroc
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division cor-vée
Plural The plural of corvée is corvées.
Total letters 6
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (3) c,r,v

What is Corv��e?

Corvée is a form of unfree labor that is required of people as a duty to their local ruler or government. This labor often involves working on public projects such as roads, bridges, or other infrastructure improvements. The practice of corvée has been used in many different societies throughout history, including ancient Egypt, feudal Europe, and various societies in Asia and Africa.

Origins of Corvée

The origins of corvée can be traced back to ancient times when societies were organized around agriculture. In many early societies, the ruler or government was responsible for building and maintaining infrastructure that was essential for the community's survival. As a result, the labor of the people was often required to support these efforts through corvée.

Implementation of Corvée

Corvée was often implemented through a system of obligations that required each person to provide a certain amount of labor to the state. This labor could take the form of working on public works projects, providing military service, or other tasks deemed essential by the ruling authority. Failure to meet these obligations could result in punishment or fines.

Abolition and Legacy

Over time, the practice of corvée began to decline as societies modernized and adopted new forms of labor organization. Many countries formally abolished corvée in the 19th and 20th centuries, although remnants of the practice can still be seen in some parts of the world today. Despite its decline, corvée has left a lasting legacy on the history of labor and governance.

Overall, corvée is a historically significant form of labor that has played a role in shaping many societies throughout the world. Although no longer as prevalent as it once was, the practice of corvée serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between rulers and the ruled, as well as the importance of public works and infrastructure in the development of communities.


Corvée Examples

  1. The villagers were obligated to perform corvée labor for the local lord.
  2. Corvée work was used to maintain roads and bridges in ancient civilizations.
  3. The corvée system was common in feudal societies as a form of taxation.
  4. Individuals could be exempt from corvée duties if they paid a fee instead.
  5. Corvée labor was often seen as a burden by those forced to participate.
  6. Officials assigned corvée tasks to the population based on their social class.
  7. Corvée requirements could vary depending on the region and time period.
  8. Farmers were usually required to provide corvée labor during planting and harvest seasons.
  9. The corvée system was gradually replaced by other forms of taxation in modern societies.
  10. Some countries still use corvée labor for public works projects in rural areas.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 13:53:04