Pronunciation: [ˈɛsnɪ] (IPA) 
The word "esne" is spelled as /ɛsn/, with the stress on the first syllable. It is a Middle English term that refers to a laborer or servant. The spelling may seem unusual, with the letter "e" preceding the letter "s" in the word's first syllable, but this is reflective of the Old English origins of the word. While it may not be a commonly used word today, its unique spelling offers insight into the evolution of the English language over time.
ESNE is an obsolete term that has its origins in Old English. It refers to a class of individuals who were considered to be peasants or laborers during the medieval period. An esne was a tenant farmer who lived and worked on an estate, typically owned by a lord or noble. They were bound to the land and owed various duties and services to their lord in exchange for protection and the right to cultivate the land.
Esne is derived from the Old English word "esne" or "æsne," which meant servant or laborer. The term was commonly used during the Middle Ages and was an important part of the feudal system that prevailed during that time. Esnes were often subjected to feudal obligations, such as providing labor on the lord's land, paying rent, or giving a portion of their produce to their lord.
In some instances, the term "esne" was also used to refer to a slave or a person who was legally bound to serve another. However, its primary usage denoted a semi-free laborer who was tied to the land and lordship.
Over time, the usage of the term declined, and it eventually fell out of common usage in the English language. Nowadays, esne is primarily encountered in the context of historical texts or discussions about the feudal system.
