servitute

Servitute is an archaic or rare English noun that denotes servitude—the state of being under subjugation or bondage, or the obligations imposed by law or custom. In historical and legal writings, the term may refer to conditions of subjugation of people (slavery or bondage) as well as to burdens on individuals or property arising from obligations.

Etymology and scope: the word derives from Latin servitūs (genitive servitūtis) meaning slavery or servitude, and entered English through Old French as servitute. The modern, standard form in English is typically servitude; servitute survives primarily in older texts, philological discussions, or as a variant spelling in historical contexts.

Modern usage: servitute is largely supplanted by servitude in contemporary language. It appears mainly in translations of classical or medieval sources or in discussions about the historical development of terms related to bondage and obligation. In contemporary property law, the related term servitude describes legal easements or burdens on land (such as a right of way or a right of support), while servitute in its archaic sense is seldom used.

See also: servitude, slavery, bondage, easement, property law.