taeogion; Latin: villanus) was a native serf or villein of the medieval Welsh kingdoms.
The term was used in south Wales and literally denoted someone "belonging to the house" (ty) of the lord's manor.
Although they might use patronymics, they were considered as having no pedigree and were bound to their land until they were freed in one of three ways: if they were elevated to one of the 24 principal offices of the Welsh court; if they became a tonsured cleric; or if a new church were built within their town with the king's permission.
Both groups were restricted to land holdings in special settlements set aside for them, the taeogtrev (lit.
[3] In the case of the northern Welsh kingdoms, at least, the taeogion represented the original Roman and Irish inhabitants of the region subjugated by the Men of the North under Cunedda.