A bondman; a slave.
Bond; servile.
To oppress; enslave.
Muscle or sinew.
A good quality or habit; virtue.
(usually plural) An attractive physical attribute, especially muscle; mental or moral vigour.
1998: B.A. Roberts, Battle Magic – As I pull two Mercian shafts from my bloodied thews.
Instruct in morals or values; chastise.