The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bondsman \Bonds"man\, n.; pl. Bondsmen. [Bond, a. or n. +
   man.]
   1. A slave; a villain; a serf; a bondman.
      [1913 Webster]

            Carnal, greedy people, without such a precept, would
            have no mercy upon their poor bondsmen. --Derham.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Law) A surety; one who is bound, or who gives security,
      for another.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

bondsman
    n 1: a male slave [syn: bondman, bondsman]
    2: someone who signs a bond as surety for someone else [syn:
       bondsman, bondswoman]
    3: a male bound to serve without wages [syn: bondman,
       bondsman]

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

BONDSMAN, n.  A fool who, having property of his own, undertakes to
become responsible for that entrusted to another to a third.
    Philippe of Orleans wishing to appoint one of his favorites, a
dissolute nobleman, to a high office, asked him what security he would
be able to give.  "I need no bondsmen," he replied, "for I can give
you my word of honor."  "And pray what may be the value of that?"
inquired the amused Regent.  "Monsieur, it is worth its weight in
gold."