Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - corvee

 noun  Etymology: French, from Medieval Latin corrogata, from Latin, feminine of corrogatus, past participle of corrogare to collect, requisition, from com- + rogare to ask — more at right  Date: 14th century  1. unpaid labor (as toward constructing roads) due from a feudal vassal to his lord  2. labor exacted in lieu of taxes by public authorities especially for highway construction or repair