Definition

1. Noun:
   • A free man who cultivated his own land in historical contexts: In former times, a "yeoman" was a free man, not a serf, who owned and farmed a small piece of land.
   • A petty officer or non-commissioned officer in certain services: In the British Royal Navy and other services, a "yeoman" is a petty officer performing clerical or administrative duties.
   • A member of the Yeomen of the Guard: An officer in the ceremonial bodyguard of the British monarch.

Examples of Usage

• Historical Landowner:
  • The yeoman farmed his own fields and was proud of his independence.
  • In medieval England, a yeoman ranked below a gentleman but above a laborer.
• Naval or Service Petty Officer:
  • He served as a yeoman, managing the ship's records and correspondence.
• Ceremonial Guard:
  • The Yeomen of the Guard, often called Beefeaters, are a familiar sight at the Tower of London.

Advanced Usage

• "Yeoman's service" or "yeoman service": This idiom refers to efficient, helpful, and loyal service, especially in a time of need. It originates from the dependable and valuable work of a yeoman farmer.
  • The old truck did yeoman service for the family, lasting over twenty years.
  • Her research provided yeoman's service to the entire project team.

Variants and Related Words

• Yeomanry (noun): Historically, this referred to a collective body of yeomen. In British military history, it specifically denotes a volunteer cavalry force raised from this class.
  • The local yeomanry was called upon to assist in maintaining order.

Synonyms

• Freeholder: A person who owns the freehold to a piece of land.
• Petty officer: A non-commissioned officer in a navy.
• Landowner: A person who owns land, especially a large amount (though a yeoman typically owned a small amount).

Related Phrases

• To do yeoman's service: To be very helpful and reliable; to perform excellent work.
  • This software has done yeoman's service in organizing our data.

Noun

1. in former times was free and cultivated his own land
2. officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch