WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -A peasant is a pre-industrial agricultural laborer or a farmer with limited land-ownership, especially one living in the Middle Ages under feudalism and paying rent, tax, fees, or services to a landlord. In Europe, three classes of peasants existed: non-free slaves, semi-free [Serfdom|serfs]], and free tenants.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cotter, cottier, cottar, Kosatter or Kötter is the German or Scots term for a peasant farmer (formerly in the Scottish Highlands for example). Cotters occupied cottages and cultivated small land lots.

Detailed explanation-3: -Status-wise, the bordar or cottar ranked below a serf in the social hierarchy of a manor, holding a cottage, garden and just enough land to feed a family.

Detailed explanation-4: -Peasant farmers known as serfs gave their lord part of their harvest in return for the use of land and other services.

Detailed explanation-5: -Becoming a serf A free man usually became a serf because he owed a large debt. He would make an agreement with the lord of the land. The lord would keep him safe, give money to pay his debt, and give him land to work on. In return, he would work for the lord.