'villein' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'vilain', where 'vilain' meant 'peasant' or 'farm laborer'.

'vilain' changed from the Old French word 'vilain' and eventually became the modern English word 'villein'.

Initially, it meant 'peasant or farm laborer', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a feudal tenant subject to a lord'.