Freeman
UK: ˈfriːmən | US: ˈfriːmən
n. a person who is not a slave or serf; one who enjoys civil or political liberties
n. (historical) a member of a class of landholders with specific rights in medieval society
n. (modern) a person who is free from external constraints or oppression
The word "freeman" originates from Old English frēomann, combining frēo (meaning "free," derived from Proto-Germanic frijaz, implying "beloved" or "not in bondage") and mann (meaning "person"). Historically, it distinguished those with legal rights (e.g., property ownership, voting) from slaves or serfs. Over time, its meaning expanded to symbolize broader concepts of liberty and autonomy.
In medieval England, a freeman could own land and participate in local governance.
The abolition of slavery transformed countless enslaved individuals into freemen.
As a freeman, he valued his independence above all else.
The town's records listed every freeman eligible for trade privileges.
Modern democracies aim to ensure every citizen lives as a freeman.