Freeman
/ˈfriːmən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who is not a slave, serf, or prisoner, and is entitled to certain rights and privileges.
/ˈfriːmən/
A person who is not a slave or serf.
The freeman could own property and participate in local governance.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who isn't owned by anyone and can make their own choices. Like, they can decide what to do with their day without someone telling them.
👶 For kids: Someone who is not a slave and can do what they want!
More Examples
Throughout history, the fight for freeman status has been a major driver of social change.
Many of the town's freemen were skilled artisans.
How It's Used
"In medieval times, a freeman had rights and responsibilities that distinguished him from the peasantry."
"The Magna Carta granted certain rights to the freemen of England."
A person who has been formally granted certain privileges or honors by a city or corporation, often including the right to trade or vote.
/ˈfriːmən/
A person who has been granted the freedom of a city.
He was made a freeman of the city for his contributions to the arts.
💡 Simply: Like getting a special award from a town or city, giving you extra perks like being able to trade there.
👶 For kids: Someone who is special to a town and gets to do important things there!
More Examples
The ancient practice of bestowing freeman status is still observed in some cities.
Being a freeman meant having the right to trade within the city's walls.
How It's Used
"The city council bestowed the title of freeman upon the war hero."
Idioms & expressions
the freedom of speech
The right to express one's opinions freely without censorship or fear of punishment.
"The First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech."
From Old English *frēomann* (literally 'free man'), a compound of *frēo* ('free') and *mann* ('man'). Historically, a freeman was a person who was not a serf or slave and enjoyed certain rights and privileges.
The term 'freeman' has been used since the Old English period to describe people who were not slaves or serfs. The rights and responsibilities of freemen varied across different societies and time periods.
Memory tip
Think of a free *man* enjoying their *freedom*.