Yeoman

Noun

Definition: A man holding and cultivating a small landed estate; a farmer who owns or leases their own land.

Definition: A servant in a royal or noble household; a subordinate official.

Definition: A person with the rank of yeoman in the US Navy or Coast Guard, or the rank of petty officer in the British Royal Navy.

Synonyms: Farmer, Freeholder, Countryman

Antonyms: Landowner, Aristocrat, Nobleman

Examples:
  • The yeoman tended to his crops diligently.
  • The yeoman was responsible for the upkeep of the estate.
Mnemonics:
  • "Yeoman" sounds like "Yo man!", so imagine a farmer saying "Yo man, look at my land!"

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'yeman', from Old English 'geongemann', combining 'geong' (young) and 'mann' (man).

Historical Usage:

The term was originally used to describe a junior officer in the Royal Navy, but over time, it came to refer to a farmer who owned or leased land.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"True yeoman"

Explanation:

Referring to a person who is hardworking, honest, and loyal.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the term with "yeomanry" which refers to a group of regional volunteer cavalry units.

Explanation:

Yeoman and yeomanry are related terms, but they have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

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