Oppidan

Oppidan is a term used in the context of medieval and early modern Europe to describe a person who is neither a citizen of a town nor a peasant of the countryside. The term is derived from the Latin word "oppidum," which means a fortified town or city. Oppidans were often associated with the fringes of society, living in areas that were neither fully urban nor rural, such as the outskirts of towns or along trade routes. They typically engaged in various activities, including trade, craftsmanship, and sometimes even small-scale farming. Oppidans often faced social and economic marginalization, as they did not enjoy the same rights and privileges as either urban citizens or rural peasants. Their status varied depending on the region and the specific historical period, but they generally occupied a precarious position in the social hierarchy. The term "oppidan" is less commonly used today, as societal structures have evolved, and the distinctions between urban and rural life have become more fluid.