Chattel Meaning
/ˈt͡ʃæt.l̩/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounTangible, movable property.
nounA slave.
Sentence Examples
Indentured servitude is often contrasted with chattel slavery.
Indentured servitude and chattel slavery are two completely different things.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
In ancient times, a slave was often considered mere ____ with no rights.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Historically, ____ was a term used to describe a piece of property.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English chatel, from Old French chatel, from Medieval Latin capitāle (English capital), from Latin capitālis (“of the head”), from caput (“head”) + -alis (“-al”). Compare the doublet cattle (“cows”), which is from an Anglo-Norman variant. Compare also capital and kith and kine (“all one’s possessions”), which also use “cow” to mean “property”.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] although of course the firm had changed hands many times over the centuries, […] But the box has always been part of the chattels, as it were."
— 1990, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Good Omens, Corgi, page 387:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In ancient times, a slave was often considered mere ____ with no rights.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Historically, ____ was a term used to describe a piece of property.