Final answer:
A serf was a peasant bound to work on a lord's land in feudal society, not free to leave without permission, subject to the lord's authority, providing labor and services. Abolished in Russia in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II, former serfs faced continued economic challenges. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
A serf was a type of peasant in feudal society who was legally bound to live on and work a piece of land called a fief, which was owned by a lord. Serfs were not free; they could not leave the land without the lord's permission and had to provide labor as part of their tenure. The correct answer to the question is: C. a peasant legally bound to live and work on land owned by a lord.
In Russia, serfdom persisted until the 19th century. Tsar Alexander II initiated the abolition of serfdom in 1861, allowing serfs to buy the land they worked on, though economic freedoms remained limited for some time after emancipation. While not slaves, serfs' status was close to servitude, as their rights were very restricted and they were often at the mercy of their lords for basic needs and protections.