chattel an slave

**ieasy** · 23-Nov-2006, 14:25

Hi,

I was very surprised to read in a dictionary that chattel can be synonym of slave. Is that correct?

**Anglika** · 23-Nov-2006, 16:50

A slave can be a chattel, being personal property. I'm not sure I regard them as synonymous as chattels can be any form of personal property.

**MikeNewYork** · 24-Nov-2006, 01:42

Originally Posted by ieasy

Hi,

I was very surprised to read in a dictionary that chattel can be synonym of slave. Is that correct?

The word chattel is etymologically related to cattle.
There are many examples in history of slaves being thought of as cattle and treated no better.

**ieasy** · 25-Nov-2006, 00:03

Thank you both

**MikeNewYork** · 25-Nov-2006, 00:59

Originally Posted by ieasy

Thank you both

You're welcome.

Thread: chattel an slave