Definition of peon

< Penzance

peonage >

pe·on    (pn, pn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. An unskilled laborer or farm worker of Latin America or the southwest United States.
   2. Such a worker bound in servitude to a landlord creditor.
2. A menial worker; a drudge.
3. (also pyn) In India and other parts of South and Southeast Asia, a person of menial position, especially a messenger, servant, or foot soldier.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Spanish, day laborer, from Medieval Latin ped, pedn-, foot soldier ; see pioneer. Sense 3, possibly from Portuguese peão from Medieval Latin ped