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
- The yeoman tended to his crops diligently.
- The yeoman was responsible for the upkeep of the estate.
- "Yeoman" sounds like "Yo man!", so imagine a farmer saying "Yo man, look at my land!"
Etymology:
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:
"True yeoman"
Explanation:Referring to a person who is hardworking, honest, and loyal.
Misconceptions:
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.