Both Uses of
peasant
in
The Iliad by Homer - (translated by: Butler)
- As peasants with their hounds chase a lion from their stockyard, and watch by night to prevent his carrying off the pick of their herd—he makes his greedy spring, but in vain, for the darts from many a strong hand fall thick around him, with burning brands that scare him for all his fury, and when morning comes he slinks foiled and angry away—even so did Ajax, sorely against his will, retreat angrily before the Trojans, fearing for the ships of the Achaeans.†
Book 11 *peasants = used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: people of low income, education, and social standing -- especially those who raise crops or livestock
- As country peasants set their hounds on to a homed stag or wild goat—he has taken shelter under rock or thicket, and they cannot find him, but, lo, a bearded lion whom their shouts have roused stands in their path, and they are in no further humour for the chase—even so the Achaeans were still charging on in a body, using their swords and spears pointed at both ends, but when they saw Hector going about among his men they were afraid, and their hearts fell down into their feet.†
Book 15
Definition:
used historically or possibly in relation to a very poor country: a person of low income, education, and social standing -- especially one who raises crops or livestock