Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

yeomanry

noun

/ˈjō-mən-rē/

Definition

A class of small landowners or farmers who historically were free and had a certain degree of independence.

Examples

The yeomanry played a significant role in the agricultural developments of rural England.
During the medieval period, yeomanry were often seen as the backbone of English society.
In times of conflict, members of the yeomanry would volunteer to serve in local militias.

Meaning

Yeomanry refers to a social class typically associated with small-scale farmers, landowners, or recognized as having an honorable stature in the community. It often conveys an image of self-sufficiency and respectability.