Kaimynas
Encyclopedia
Kaimynas was a class of non-free peasants in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
before full-scale serfdom
was established by the Wallach reform
(1557). The term describes a former prisoner of war, who was allowed to live in a village and rent a piece of land from a noble. Peasants who lost their land because of debt or other circumstances could also become kaimynai.
Kaimynai and their families were allowed to form a farm, have tools, and earn their own living independently. However they had no personal freedoms and were dependent on the nobles. Because the family was treated as a single farm and owned taxes and levies as a group and not individually, kaimynai were sold or exchanged in families. Their situation was similar to that of šeiminykščiai as both classes were not free and dependent on the nobles. However, šeiminykščiai were members of noble's household and did not earn their living independently. They are often compared to slaves
, while kaimynai are compared to early serfs
.
The term is derived from possessional adjective to describe a person belonging to a village (kaimas) or farmstead (kiemas). In Slavic texts loaned the word as коиминецъ. In modern Lithuanian the term means neighbor.
Grand Duchy of Lithuania
The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a European state from the 12th /13th century until 1569 and then as a constituent part of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until 1791 when Constitution of May 3, 1791 abolished it in favor of unitary state. It was founded by the Lithuanians, one of the polytheistic...
before full-scale serfdom
Serfdom
Serfdom is the status of peasants under feudalism, specifically relating to Manorialism. It was a condition of bondage or modified slavery which developed primarily during the High Middle Ages in Europe and lasted to the mid-19th century...
was established by the Wallach reform
Wallach reform
Wallach reform was a land reform in parts of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania . Main goal of the reform was to increase revenue to the state treasury, and to distribute feodal services to the peasants...
(1557). The term describes a former prisoner of war, who was allowed to live in a village and rent a piece of land from a noble. Peasants who lost their land because of debt or other circumstances could also become kaimynai.
Kaimynai and their families were allowed to form a farm, have tools, and earn their own living independently. However they had no personal freedoms and were dependent on the nobles. Because the family was treated as a single farm and owned taxes and levies as a group and not individually, kaimynai were sold or exchanged in families. Their situation was similar to that of šeiminykščiai as both classes were not free and dependent on the nobles. However, šeiminykščiai were members of noble's household and did not earn their living independently. They are often compared to slaves
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
, while kaimynai are compared to early serfs
Serfdom
Serfdom is the status of peasants under feudalism, specifically relating to Manorialism. It was a condition of bondage or modified slavery which developed primarily during the High Middle Ages in Europe and lasted to the mid-19th century...
.
The term is derived from possessional adjective to describe a person belonging to a village (kaimas) or farmstead (kiemas). In Slavic texts loaned the word as коиминецъ. In modern Lithuanian the term means neighbor.