\Slav"er*y\, n.; pl. {Slaveries}. [See 2d {Slave}.]
1. The condition of a slave; the state of entire subjection
   of one person to the will of another.
         Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, slavery, said
         I, still thou art a bitter draught!   --Sterne.
         I wish, from my soul, that the legislature of this
         state [Virginia] could see the policy of a gradual
         abolition of slavery. It might prevent much future
         mischief.                             --Washington.
2. A condition of subjection or submission characterized by
   lack of freedom of action or of will.
         The vulgar slaveries rich men submit to. --C. Lever.
         There is a slavery that no legislation can abolish,
         -- the slavery of caste.              --G. W. Cable.
3. The holding of slaves.
Syn: Bondage; servitude; inthrallment; enslavement;
     captivity; bond service; vassalage.