Final answer:
Capitaineries were considered a 'dreadful scourge' on peasants due to the excessive demands for tribute and taxation, which led to exploitation, social inequality, and many peasants abandoning their lands, turning to banditry, or becoming slaves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term capitaineries, likely derived from the historical concept of 'capitanias' or captaincies, underscores a system where certain individuals had territorial and administrative control over specific regions and were responsible for the governance and economic exploitation of the area. This system could be considered a “dreadful scourge” on the peasants because it often resulted in heavy taxation and rigid control over their produce, leaving them with little for their own sustenance. Furthermore, the dominance of these capitaineries could have led to an increase in social inequality, as the peasants were heavily exploited to support the luxury and power of the rulers or administrators.
For example, within local regions, certain leaders, such as the castle lords, were known to exert similar pressure on the peasants, demanding food and grain while the central government also levied taxes. This resulted in the peasants being caught between two demanding entities, causing many to abandon their land, turn to banditry, or become slaves in the private armies. Such social structures contributed to the suffering and exploitation of the peasantry, reinforcing the notion of the capitaineries system being a catastrophic burden.