资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.