freeman

Not a serf

A freeman is a person who is not enslaved or in bondage—someone possessing personal liberty.

Historically, the term distinguished free individuals from serfs or slaves in feudal and colonial societies.

In medieval towns, a freeman held full citizenship rights, including the ability to own property and conduct trade: Only freemen could vote in the guild elections.

The word survives in ceremonial contexts like "freedom of the city," where honorees become honorary freemen. (Capitalized Freeman is a surname.)

emancipated

manumission

Formal freeing of enslaved

abolitionFormal discontinuation of practice
emancipationRelease from legal bondage
liberatedReleased from confinement

unchained · unshackled · enfranchisement · slavery · bondage · plantation · Underground Railroad · Juneteenth · freedman · maroon

medieval

burgher

Prosperous urban resident

guildProfessional mutual-aid society
charterFounding organizational document
boroughAdministrative town or district

commune · townsman · burgess · craftsman · merchant · alderman · yeoman · vassal · serf · villein

civic

citizen

Legal national member

voterBallot-casting citizen
suffrageRight to cast ballots
juryLegal decision-making body

democracy · constitution · taxpayer · electorate · franchise · naturalization · rights · duties · privileges · assembly

freeman

manumission

burgher

citizen

freeman

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family