Esnes meaning

The esnes were unfree peasants or serfs in early medieval England.


Esnes definitions

Word backwards sense
Part of speech Esnes is a noun.
Syllabic division es-nes
Plural The plural of the word "esnes" is "esnes."
Total letters 5
Vogais (1) e
Consonants (2) s,n

Definition of Esnes

Esnes were individuals who held a servile status in feudal society during the Middle Ages. These individuals were bound to the land they worked on and were subject to the authority of a lord. Esnes were a common feature of the manorial system, where they provided labor and other services to the landowner in exchange for protection and the use of land.

Roles and Responsibilities

Esnes were responsible for working the land, tending to crops, and performing other tasks necessary for the maintenance of the manor. They were required to provide a portion of their produce to the lord as rent, known as a "feudal due." In addition to agricultural work, esnes also performed various duties around the manor, such as caring for livestock, maintaining buildings, and managing resources.

Social Status

Esnes occupied the lowest rung of the feudal hierarchy, below knights, nobles, and clergy. They had limited rights and freedoms, as their lives were largely controlled by the lord of the manor. Despite their servile status, esnes played a crucial role in the functioning of the medieval manorial system, as they provided the labor necessary for agricultural production.

Transition and Decline

As the feudal system gave way to more centralized forms of governance, the role of esnes began to decline. The rise of capitalism and the growth of cities led to a decrease in the demand for agricultural labor on manors. Additionally, changes in land ownership and the emergence of new economic systems meant that the traditional role of esnes became less relevant over time.

In conclusion, esnes were an integral part of feudal society, providing essential labor and services to landowners in exchange for protection and land use. While their role has largely disappeared in modern times, the legacy of esnes serves as a reminder of the social structures that existed during the medieval period.


Esnes Examples

  1. The esnes of the estate were responsible for overseeing the workers.
  2. In medieval England, esnes were often granted land in exchange for their services.
  3. The esnes handled day-to-day tasks on the lord's manor.
  4. As an esne, he had certain rights and responsibilities within the manor.
  5. The esne's duties included tending to the livestock and maintaining the fields.
  6. Esnes were essential to the functioning of the feudal system in England.
  7. Agricultural labor was often carried out by esnes on the manor.
  8. Esnes had limited freedom and were bound to the land they served.
  9. The esnes were at the bottom of the social hierarchy in medieval society.
  10. The life of an esne was often harsh and dictated by the demands of the manor.


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  • Updated 12/07/2024 - 12:38:17