Peonage
Peonage: Compulsory service to pay off a debt. Federal law abolishes it and makes it a crime (42 U.S.C. § 1994; 18 U.S.C. § 1581). The Supreme Court held in Clyatt v. United States, 197 U.S. 207, 215 (1905), that peonage is prohibited whether it began voluntarily or involuntarily, because the difference is only "in the mode of origin, but none in the character of the servitude."
What peonage means
In short, peonage is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.
Where peonage comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Involuntary servitude.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if peonage appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read peonage in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
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Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.