# Freeman

/ˈfɹimən/ (US) · /fɹˈiːmən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/freeman
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. not a slave

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a person who is free and not owned by anyone else.

For teachers: an individual who is not a slave, serf, or person in bondage. Often used in historical contexts to distinguish free citizens from enslaved populations.

- In the old story, the hero was a freeman who traveled across the country alone.
- The document recorded the legal status of every resident, distinguishing clearly between those held in servitude and those living as freemen.

Teaching tip: In modern English, we simply say 'a free man' (two words). The compound 'freeman' is almost exclusively found in historical or legal texts.

### 2. city status

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · British English

someone who has been given special rights or honors by a city or town.

For teachers: a person who has been admitted to the freedom of a city, borough, or company, often carrying specific privileges or ceremonial status.

- He was proud to be named a freeman of the city for his charity work.
- The guild granted him the status of freeman, allowing him to trade within the city walls without paying the usual merchant tolls.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'freeman of the city'.

Teaching tip: This is still used today as a ceremonial honor in some British cities, similar to 'giving someone the keys to the city' in the US.

## Examples

- The king granted the man the status of a freeman.
- In medieval society, a freeman had the right to move between towns and choose his own employer.
- The transition from feudal serfdom to the status of a freeman represented a significant shift in the legal and economic autonomy of the individual within the agrarian hierarchy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.