A feudal labourer, also known as a SERF, was a person in the Middle Ages who was bound to a lord and worked on the lord's land in exchange for protection and the use of land. Serfs were not allowed to leave the land without permission and were required to pay taxes and fees to their lord. They were also expected to provide labour services such as ploughing, harvesting, and building. Serfs were considered to be part of the lord's estate and were not allowed to own land or property.