Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
yeomen
noun
/ˈjoʊ.mən/
Definition
Yeomen are traditionally independent landowners or farmers who hold a small estate or work as freeholders in agriculture, often regarded as part of the gentry.
Examples
- The yeomen of the guard have a rich history in the service of the monarch.
- During the medieval period, yeomen played a vital role in the agricultural economy.
- She was a true yeoman, tending to her land with great care and dedication.
Meaning
The term ‘yeoman’ historically refers to a class of small freeholders, particularly in England, who were neither peasants nor nobles. In modern usage, it can denote someone who performs dedicated or hard work, often in a supportive role.
Synonyms
- freeholder
- landowner
- smallholder
