Bedryazh

Bedryazh is a rarely used term of Russian origin, primarily found in folklore and historical texts referring to a type of poor peasant or serf during the feudal era. It generally denotes an individual lacking land, resources, and possessing a very low social standing within their community. The term often carries connotations of destitution and powerlessness. While not a formal legal or administrative designation, "bedryazh" represents a common vernacular descriptor reflecting socioeconomic hardship in rural Russia. Its usage peaked during periods of widespread serfdom and agricultural distress. Today, the word is largely obsolete, mostly encountered in literature or historical studies. Its modern equivalent would likely be a person living in extreme poverty.