yeoman
UK: ˈjəʊmən | US: ˈjoʊmən
n. 1. A servant or attendant in a royal or noble household, typically of middle rank.
n. 2. A diligent, reliable worker or assistant.
n. 3. (Historical) A freeholder of a small estate; a middle-class farmer in England.
The word "yeoman" originates from Old English gēa (meaning "district" or "region") combined with "man." Historically, it referred to a freeholder or small landowner who cultivated their own land, reflecting social status between nobility and peasants. Over time, it evolved to denote a dependable worker or subordinate, particularly in military or household contexts. The term's persistence highlights its cultural significance in English feudal society.
The yeoman served faithfully in the king’s household for decades.
As a yeoman farmer, he took pride in maintaining his ancestral land.
She proved herself a yeoman of the company, handling tasks with unwavering dedication.
The ship’s yeoman kept meticulous records of supplies.
In medieval England, a yeoman often acted as an archer in the royal army.