peasantry

[ pez-uh n-tree ]

/ ˈpɛz ən tri /

peasants collectively.

the status or character of a peasant.

Origin of peasantry

First recorded in 1545–55; peasant + -ry

In the stalk of the rye occurs a knot, forming a slight bulge known to the peasantry as the “sweet joint.”

Creatures of the Night |Alfred W. Rees
A French patois is the language of the peasantry, but English is generally understood.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 |Various
He was in spirit nearer to the peasantry than many of the Friars who themselves came from the flesh of the peasantry.

Waysiders |Seumas O'Kelly
Here, a great number of peasantry attempted a defense, but were easily defeated and a number of prisoners taken.

St. George for England |G. A. Henty

Our ancestors may be said to have led us on to this proud position, by the gradual emancipation of the peasantry from slavery.

Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 461 |Various

peasantry

/ (ˈpɛzəntrɪ) /

peasants as a class

conduct characteristic of peasants

the status of a peasant