Meaning of the word peon in English

What does peon mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

peon

US /ˈpiː.ən/
UK /ˈpiː.ən/

Noun

1.

a person who does menial work; a drudge

Example:
He felt like a mere peon, doing all the grunt work while others took the credit.
The new intern was treated like a peon, given only the most tedious tasks.
2.

(historical) a laborer or farm worker in Latin America or the American Southwest, often one who is indebted and forced to work for a landlord

Example:
Many peons were trapped in a cycle of debt, unable to leave their landlord's service.
The hacienda relied on the labor of numerous peons.