Hmmmmmm... This rings a bell. Let's have a look at the old trusty dictionary:
slave(slav) n.
1. One bound in servitude as the property of a person or household.
2. One who is abjectly subservient to a specified person or influence: 'I was still the slave of education and prejudice' (Edward Gibbon).
3. One who works extremely hard.
4. A machine or component controlled by another machine or component.
slav·er·y n. pl. slav·er·ies
1. The state of one bound in servitude as the property of a slaveholder or household.
2.a. The practice of owning slaves.
b. A mode of production in which slaves constitute the principal work force.
3. The condition of being subject or addicted to a specified influence.
4. A condition of hard work and subjection: wage slavery.