noun

corvee

kor-VAY

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Corvee (noun) means Unpaid labour, especially on roads or public works, historically demanded by a feudal lord or government instead of tax payment. Example: “Peasants were expected to perform corvee on the lord's land each year.”

noun

historical Unpaid labour, especially on roads or public works, historically demanded by a feudal lord or government instead of tax payment.

"Peasants were expected to perform corvee on the lord's land each year."

"The road was built using corvee labour instead of paid workers."

"Villagers under the old system owed several days of corvee to the state."

How to use corvee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnpaid work people once had to do for a lord or the state instead of paying tax.

When to use it

Corvee is a historical and academic term, rarely used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Think of it as labour owed rather than paid work, and the meaning stays clear.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

corvee labour perform corvee corvee system days of corvee

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “corvee” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Peasants were expected to perform _____ on the lord's land each year.

Etymology

Corvee comes from the French word corvée, which developed from a Late Latin term derived from the Latin verb conrogare, meaning to call people together by entreaty.

Origin: French

Rhymes for corvee

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

See all rhymes for corvee →

Frequently asked questions

What does corvee mean?

Corvee is unpaid labour, often on roads or similar public works, owed to a lord or the state instead of tax.

Is corvee the same as forced labour?

It is a specific historical form of it, where labour was demanded in place of paying taxes.

Where does the word corvee come from?

It comes from French, tracing back to a Latin verb meaning to call together by entreaty.

What is the meaning of corvee?

"corvee" (noun) means unpaid labour, especially on roads or public works, historically demanded by a feudal lord or government instead of tax payment.