From my POV the difference is largely semantic. in both instances the slave/sub gives up control to the Master/Dom (Mastradom?). As in any human endeavor there's a mater of degree.

I suppose by 17th century common law the slave is the property of the Master and he/she would be totally responsible for his/her property. Once a M/s relation starts the decisions about the relation are all the responsibility of the Master.

A sub would need to be more involved in the decision making offering her/his gift of submission to her/his Dom on a constantly renewable basis.

Just the passing fancy of a

Mad Lews