Slavery \Slav"er*y\, n.; pl. Slaveries. [See 2d Slave.]

1. The condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection of one person to the will of another.

Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, slavery, said I, still thou art a bitter draught! --Sterne.

I wish, from my soul, that the legislature of this state [Virginia] could see the policy of a gradual abolition of slavery. It might prevent much future mischief. --Washington.

2. A condition of subjection or submission characterized by lack of freedom of action or of will.

The vulgar slaveries rich men submit to. --C. Lever.

There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish, -- the slavery of caste. --G. W. Cable.

3. The holding of slaves.

Syn: Bondage; servitude; inthrallment; enslavement; captivity; bond service; vassalage.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)