English Explanatory Dictionary

peon

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A lowly person; a peasant or serf; a labourer who is obliged to do menial work.
  2. A person of low rank or importance.
  3. A messenger, foot soldier, or native policeman.

Pronunciation

/ˈpiː.ən/ /ˈpeɪ.ɒn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-peon.wav LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-peon2.wav /ˈpi.ɑn/ /ˈpeɪ.ɑn/ /pɪˈuːn/ /pjuːn/

Word forms

peon peons peones

Etymology

From a combination of Middle French pion, peon and Spanish peón, both from Late Latin pedōnem (“pedestrian”). Doublet of pawn.

Related words

peonage

Derived words

peonism peonize
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