'bondservant' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'bondeservaunt,' where 'bond' meant 'bound' and 'servaunt' meant 'servant.'

'bondeservaunt' changed from the Old English word 'bonda' and eventually became the modern English word 'bondservant.'

Initially, it meant 'a person bound to service,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.