/ˈjəʊmɛn/. Forms: α. Middle English ȝoman, ȝhoman, (Middle English ȝhuman, ȝouman), Middle English–1600s yoman, Middle English ȝoman(n)e, ȝomon, yomon, ( yhoman), ȝuman, 1500s–1600s yoeman. β. Middle English–1500s ȝeman, (Middle English ȝheman), Middle English–1600s yeman, (Middle English ȝemman, yemon, 1500s ȝeaman, Scottish ȝieman, 1700s ye'man). γ. Middle English ȝiman, ȝyman, (Middle English ȝymman, Middle English ȝimman, ȝymanne). δ. Middle English– yeoman, (1600s–1700s Scottish zeoman).yeomann.
/ˈjəʊmən/, U.S. /ˈjoʊmən//ˈjəʊmɛn/. Forms: α. Middle English ȝoman, ȝhoman, (Middle English ȝhuman, ȝouman), Middle English–1600s yoman, Middle English ȝoman(n)e, ȝomon, yomon, ( yhoman), ȝuman, 1500s–1600s yoeman. β. Middle English–1500s ȝeman, (Middle English ȝheman), Middle English–1600s yeman, (Middle English ȝemman, yemon, 1500s ȝeaman, Scottish ȝieman, 1700s ye'man). γ. Middle English ȝiman, ȝyman, (Middle English ȝymman, Middle English ȝimman, ȝymanne). δ. Middle English– yeoman, (1600s–1700s Scottish zeoman). I. Senses relating to service; an attendant or assistant.
1.
a. A servant or attendant in a royal or noble household, usually of a superior grade, ranking between a sergeant (sergeant n. Compounds 1) and a groom (groom n.1 4) or between a squire and a page.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > specific title of
yeoman1345
warden1543
society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > attendant or personal servant > [noun]
thanea700
yeoman1345
squirec1380
foot followera1382
handservanta1382
servitora1382
ministera1384
servera1425
squire of (or for) the body (or household)1450
attender1461
waitera1483
awaiter1495
tender?a1505
waiting-man1518
satellite?1520
attendant1555
sitter-byc1555
pediseque1606
asseclist?1607
tendant1614
assecle1616
fewterera1625
escudero1631
peon1638
wait1652
under spur-leather1685
body servant1689
slavey1819
tindal1859
maid-attendant1896
society > authority > subjection > service > servant > personal or domestic servant > attendant or personal servant > [noun] > male attendant of specific rank
yeoman1345
pagec1385
squire of (or for) the body (or household)1450
α.
β. 1345–8 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 9 The Kinges archers, vinteners, yemen of offices in the Kinges howse.1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xxi. iii. 845 The kyng callyd vpon hys knyghtes squyers and yemen.1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) v. 235 Quhill I liff, and may haf mycht To lede A ȝheman [1489 Adv. ȝowman] or a swane.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 388 A bauld squier, with him gud ȝemen twa.1584 G. Whetstone Mirour for Magestrates f. 15v Were this a lawe in England, I feare mee..we shuld haue more Gentlemen bondmen, then Yemen trustie seruantes.δ. a1483 Liber Niger in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 19 Our sovereyn lordes household is now discharged..of the Court of Marshalsy, and all his clerkes and yeomen.1561 in E. F. Rimbault Old Cheque-bk. Chapel Royal (1872) 1 Mr. Paternoster was sworne gent' the 24th of Marche, and Jones, Gospeller, and Thos. Rawlins, Yeoman.1571 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Psalmes of Dauid with Comm. (vii. 14) Saule..had many yeomen at hand, that wold gladly have employed their labour too destroye David.1607 T. Dekker & J. Webster West-ward Hoe iii. sig. D4 Come Sergeant Ambush, come yeoman Clutch, yons the Tauerne, the Gentleman will come out presently.1735 J. Swift Author upon Himself in Wks. II. 345 The Waiters stand in Ranks; the Yeomen cry, Make Room; as if a Duke were passing by.1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles i. xxix. 37 Where squire and yeoman, page and groom, Plied their loud revelry.1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 77 The folly..became in other fields A mockery to the yeomen over ale, And laughter to their lords.1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. iii. 213 (MS. R.) Emperoures..han ȝoumen [C. iv. 271 ȝemen, v.rr. ȝomen, ȝimmen, ȝemmen, ȝonge men] to ȝernen and to ride.
a1400 K. Alis. (Laud) 835 To ȝoman page & joglers.
?a1400 Morte Arth. 2628 He [sc. Arthur] made me ȝomane at Ȝole, and gafe me gret gyftes, And c. pounde, and a horse, and harnayse fulle ryche.
14.. in Monum. Francisc. (Rolls) 583 Commaunde ȝe that ȝoure gentilmen yomen and other dayly bere and were there robis in ȝoure presence.
c1420 Chron. Vilod. 4558 Knyȝt, squiere, ȝomon & page.
1449 Rolls of Parl. V. 157/2 Yomen of the moste honourable Houshold of the Kyng.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) iv. 123 Came there a yoman, that sayd to the duchesse..‘the meete is redy.’
a1529 J. Skelton Magnyfycence (?1530) sig. Hii To day hote, to morowe outragyous colde To day a yoman, to morowe made of page.
1593 in Lancs. & Cheshire Wills (Chetham Soc.) 155 I gyve unto everye one of my yomen suche as are my howseholde servants over and besyds theire waigs xxs a peece.
b. An attendant or assistant to an official, etc.
ΘΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > [noun] > subsidiary or contributory help > a subsidiary help > person
helpa1325
yeoman1363
suffragana1450
assistant?1541
under-minister1543
under-aid1579
under-fellowa1586
adjutant1622
deacon1642
under-builder1651
subsidiary1661
under-instrument1673
helper1686
understrappera1704
âme damnée1797
bottle holder1816
acolyte1829
cad1836
bellows-blower1865
sidekick1893
side-kicker1894
Watson1927
stooge1955
1363 Rolls of Parl. II. 278/2 Gentz de Mestere, d'Artifice & d'Office, appellez Yomen.
c1400 (?c1380) Pearl l. 535 Gos to my vyne, ȝemen ȝonge, & wyrkes & dos þat at ȝe moun.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 101 A Yeman [v.rr. ȝeman, ȝ oman] he hadde, and seruantz namo.
1552 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 124 Lyuery for his yemen and other baser officers.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 84 Robyn Hood had at his rule and commaundement an hundreth tall yomen.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 ii. i. 4 Hostesse Master Phang, haue you entred the action? Phang It is entred. Host. Wheres your yeoman? ist a lusty yeoman ? View more context for this quotation
1627 J. Taylor Armado sig. C8 Nimble tongu'd Pettifoggers, greedy Serieants, hungry Yeomen, deuoureing Catchpoles.
1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 47 Eighteen serjeants at mace, and every serjeant hath his yeoman.
1861 Times 26 July The senior Sheriff's yeoman read Her Majesty's writ, authorizing the Sheriffs to proceed to the election of ‘a fit and discreet citizen’ to serve in Parliament.
1897 J. D. Walker in Rec. Lincoln's Inn I. Pref. 7 A Bencher in 1442 was entitled as of right to have a yeoman (valettus) boarded in the Inn at a charge of 14d. per week.
c. yeoman's service (also yeoman service): good, efficient, or useful service, such as is rendered by a faithful servant of good standing.
ΘΠ
society > authority > subjection > service > [noun] > good or faithful
yeoman's service1604
a1500 Gest of Robyn Hode lxxx It were greate shame sayd Robyn A knyght a lone to ryde, Without squyer yeman or page,..I shall the lene lytyll Johan my man,..In a yemans stede he may the stande, Yf thou grete nede haue.]
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet v. ii. 37 I once did hold it..A basenesse to write faire,..but sir now It did me yemans seruice . View more context for this quotation
1613 E. Hoby Counter-snarle 75 You may doe the Pope yeoman seruice indeede.
1807 W. Scott Let. 11 Aug. (1932) I. 374 This [law] has done me yeoman's service in the hour of necessity.
1851 T. De Quincey On Present State Eng. Lang. in Hogg's Instructor New Ser. 6 97/1 The word ignore..has now assumed [a general meaning], with little offence to good taste, and with yeoman service to the intellect.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days i. i. 2 Wherever the fleets and armies of England have won renown, there stalwart sons of the Browns have done yeomen's work.
1884 Illustr. London News 29 Nov. 84 The..Society has done yeoman's service during the ten years of its existence.
2.
a. Yeoman of the Guard: a member of the body-guard of the sovereign of England (first appointed at the accession of Henry VII, and originally archers). Also Extraordinary Yeoman: see beefeater n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > lifeguard or bodyguard > [noun] > specific
Yeoman of the Guard1485
solak1520
janissary1529
Mameluke1531
praetorian1592
trabant1617
beefeater1671
bostangi1686
mousquetaire1706
drabant1707
protector1781
Varangian1788
Papal Zouave1864
greenfinch1865
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > watching or keeping guard > [noun] > one who watches or keeps guard > warder of Tower of London
Extraordinary Yeoman1485
waiter1551
warder1679–88
beefeater1864
1485 in Hennell Hist. Yeom. Gd. (1904) 23 Oure humble and feithful subgiet William Browne yoman of oure garde.
1509–10 Act 1 Hen. VIII c. 14 A Yoman of the Crowne or of the Kynges garde.
1519–20 in H. Littlehales Medieval Rec. London City Church (1905) 307 Ress' for the Buryall of a yoman of the Gard þat dyed at þe Swan..ij s.
1552 in Hennell Hist. Yeom. Gd. (1904) 292 The Garde, 1552... Ordinarie Yeomen in number cc... Extraordinarie Yeomen in number cc & vii.
1573 in Hennell Hist. Yeom. Gd. (1904) 293 Raulf Colborne an extraordinarye yeoman.
1613 J. Taylor True Cause Watermens Suit in Wks. (1630) i. 175 Gentlemen of the priuy Chamber, or Yeomen of the Gard at least.
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 19 Captaine of the Guard..Ordinary Yeomen of the Guard, 200..50 Extraordinary.
1675 in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1907) II. 305 A Ld Chamberlain was never before turned out for striking a yeoman of the guard.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 109. ⁋2 The vast jetting Coat and small Bonnet, which was the Habit in Harry the Seventh's Time, is kept on in the Yeomen of the Guard.
1745 E. Montagu Let. 3 Sept. (1813) III. 13 I can eat more buttered roll in a morning than a great girl at a boarding-school, and more beef at dinner than a yeoman of the guards.
1904 Hennell Hist. Yeom. Gd. 62 In the Yeomen of the Guard the yeomen are all non-commissioned officers, sergeants or sergeant-majors.
b. In the British and U.S. navies, an inferior officer who has charge of the stores in a particular department: with of or possessive, as yeoman of the powder-room, yeoman of the sheets (now abolished), yeoman of (the) signals, yeoman of the store-room, boatswain's yeoman, engineer's yeoman, paymaster's yeoman, ship's yeoman. Also elliptical.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > seafaring warrior or naval man > leader or commander > officer with specific duty > [noun] > yeoman
yeoman1669
ship's yeoman1850
yeomanette1918
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn l. 2997 Why goon the ȝemen to bote, Ankirs to hale?]
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. v. xii. 46 A Gunner..must be careful in making Choice of a sober honest Man, for the Yeoman of the Powder.
1698 in MSS. Ho. Lords (N.S.) III. (1905) 346 The gunner and the yeoman ordered him to assist him.
1702 in London Gaz. No. 3815/2 Yeomen of the Sheets,..Yeomen of the Powder Room.
1816 in Orders Council Naval Service (1866) I. 300 We further submit to your Royal Highness to be pleased to sanction the abolition of the following obsolete or unnecessary ratings:—Yeoman of the Powder Room. —— of the Sheets.
1833 in Orders Council Naval Service (1866) I. 511 Yeoman of the Store Rooms.
1850 H. Melville White-jacket xxx. 149 The ship's Yeoman's store-room.
1891 C. Roberts Adrift in Amer. 234 The boatswain's yeoman.
1898 R. Kipling Fleet in Being 82 The Yeoman of Signals came to the captain's cabin at the regulation pace... ‘Signal from the flagship, sir.’
1899 F. T. Bullen Way Navy 28 The chief petty officer, who is entitled chief yeoman of the signals.
1918 T. S. Eliot Let. 13 Nov. in Waste Land Drafts (1971) p. xv I was sent for by the Navy Intelligence, who said..that..they would make me a Chief Yeoman and raise me to a commission in a few months.
1978 H. Wouk War & Remembrance i 6 My chief yeoman's got the logs and other records all lined up.
II. Senses relating to a freeholder or a person holding a small landed estate.
3. † b. Used as a term of disparagement. rare.† c. Applied to the pawns at chess. Obsolete. rare.
a. A man holding a small landed estate; a freeholder under the rank of a gentleman; hence vaguely, a commoner or countryman of respectable standing, esp. one who cultivates his own land.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > farmer > [noun] > yeoman
yeomana1387
the mind > possession > possessor > [noun] > owner > landowner > small landowner
yeomana1387
portioner1476
goodman1540
esquire1600
little man1787
statesman1787
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific ranks of common people > [noun] > yeoman
yeomana1387
goodman1389
estatesman1810
greycoat1866
α.
β. 1455 Cal. Anc. Rec. Dublin (1889) 288 Arlaton Hussher, merchant..and Harry White, yeman.1486 Bk. St. Albans d iv Ther is a Goshawke, and that hauke is for a yeman.a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 78 Honest ȝemen in every toun, War wont to weir baith reid and broun.1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 26 §26 [70] Twoo substanciall Gentlemen or Yeomen to be chief Constables of the Hundred wherin they inhabyte.1567 T. Harman Caueat for Commen Cursetors (new ed.) Ep. Ded. sig. Aiii The honorable wyl abhore them. The worshipfull wyll reiecte them, The yemen wyll sharpely tawnte them, The Husbande men vtterly defye them, The Laborynge men bluntly chyde them.a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 283 Money wther gentillmen and ȝemenis.1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 36 Ȝiemen and housbandmen thair sal ȝe sie gang weil arayed.1709 J. Swift Baucis & Philemon 3 A good old honest Yeoman [1735 ye'man], Call'd in the Neighbourhood Philemon.γ. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 171 Þerfore hit is þat a ȝeman [v.r. ȝymman; L. vernaculus] arraieþ hym as a squyer, a squyer as a knyȝt, a kniȝt as a duke and a duke as a kyng.δ. 1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum i. xxiii. 32 Yeoman: which worde now signifieth among vs, a man well at ease and hauing honestlie to liue, and yet not a gentleman.1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum i. xxiii. 30 I call him a yeoman whom our lawes doe call Legalem hominem,..which is a freeman borne English, and may dispend of his owne free lande in yearly reuenue to the summe of xl. s. sterling.a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) ii. iv. 85 His Grandfather was Lyonel Duke of Clarence,..Spring Crestlesse Yeomen from so deepe a Root? View more context for this quotation1640 in J. Nicholson Minute Bk. War Comm. Covenanters Kirkcudbright 27 June (1855) 4 To be peyit be the tennants and yeomanes.1687 in Third Coll. Poems (1689) 21 The Admiral may now turn common Seaman, Or Fer——s like; from Court to Country Yeoman.1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vi. 3 The other Party..perswading the substantial Yeomen and Freeholders, that, at least, two parts of their Estates would..be taken from them.1716 J. Gay Trivia iii. 72 I knew a Yeoman, who..To the great City drove from Devon's Plain His num'rous lowing Herd.1812 P. B. Shelley Devil's Walk xix The wealthy yeoman, as he wanders His fertile fields among, And on his thriving cattle ponders.1829 W. Scott Guy Mannering (new ed.) I. xxii. 228 (note) An old and sturdy yeoman belonging to the Scottish side..well known by his soubriquet of Fighting Charlie of Liddesdale.1861 ‘G. Eliot’ Silas Marner iii. 39 The fall of prices had not yet come to carry the race of small squires and yeomen down that road to ruin.figurative and in extended use.a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. iv. sig. Q2 The first might seeme the Lords, the second the Gentlemen, and the last the Yeomen of dogges.1863 H. W. Longfellow Musician's Tale xx. iii, in Tales Wayside Inn 157 Turning to a Lapland yeoman.1865 Spectator 14 Jan. 32 Never..since yeoman Cain killed nomad Abel.1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar ii. 14 The grandsons of the yeomen who had held at bay Pyrrhus and Hannibal sold their farms and went away.1411 Rolls of Parl. III. 650/2 All the Knyghtes and Esquiers and Yomen that had ledynge of men.
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. viii. xi. 1825 Ȝhomen and gentil men alsua.
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 371 Whether he be knyȝt, squyer, gentilman, ȝoman, or louȝer.
c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) xvii. 151 A c.s. off ffee or rente, wich is a feyre lyuynge ffor a yoman.
1473 J. Warkworth Chron. (Camden) 1 And othere of gentylmen and yomenne he made knyghtes and squyres, as thei hade desserved.
1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. Dv My father was a yoman, and had no landes of his owne, only he had afarme of iii. or iiii. pound by yere at the vttermost... He had walke for a hundred shepe, & my mother mylked .xxx. kyne.
1642 in J. Rushworth Hist. Coll.: Third Pt. (1692) I. 680 Though many of the Chief Gentry of those Counties were for paying Obedience to his Majestie's Commission of Array, yet the Free-holders and Yoemen being generally of the other side,..they were crush'd.
1648 Hunting of Fox 39 The sufferings of the Yoemen, Farmers, and other poor Countrymen.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific ranks of common people > [noun] > yeoman > as term of disparagement
yeomanc1440
c1440 Gesta Romanorum lxix. 318 Thenne þe Emperour turnyd to his brothir, and saide, ‘Þou ȝoman, what soory wrecchidnesse is in þe?’
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > board game > chess > [noun] > pieces > pawn
pawnc1400
yeoman?1523
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry Prol. sig. Av That boke [sc. of chess] is deuyded in vii. degrees,..the kynge, the quene, the bysshopes, the knyghtes, the iuges, and the yoman.
4.
a. A man of the standing or rank described in sense 3 serving as a (foot) soldier. Now Historical or archaic except as in 4b.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > soldier by branch of army > [noun] > foot-soldier > types of
kern1351
brigand?a1400
yeomana1400
peltast1600
miquelet1670
appointee1728
hoplite1728
light-bob1778
askar1826
zephyr1847
dough1909
a1400 Sqr. lowe Degre 232 Thus in your warres shall you ryde, With syxe good yemen by your syde.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvi. 101 Schir richard of clare..Send wicht ȝhomen [1489 Adv. ȝomen] that veill couth schut To bikkir the reirward apon fut.
1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum i. xxiii. 32 The gentlemen of France and the yeoman of Englande are renowned, because in battle of horsemen Fraunce was many times too good for vs, as we againe away for them on foote. And gentlemen for the most part be men at armes and horsemen, and yeomen commonlie on foote.
1612 M. Drayton Poly-olbion xi. 172 Our Armies in those times..Of our tall Yeomen were, and foot-men for the most.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) iii. i. 25 And you good Yeomen, Whose Lyms were made in England; shew vs here The mettell of your Pasture. View more context for this quotation
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles v. xxix. 212 Two hundred yeomen on that morn The castle left, and none return.
b. spec. A member of the (Imperial) Yeomanry: see yeomanry n. 3.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > soldier of specific force or unit > [noun]
spahi1562
legionnaire1595
strelitz1603
Croat1623
deli1667
Croatian1700
lancer1712
highlander1725
lambs1744
royals1762
light-bob1778
fly-slicer1785
Life Guardsman1785
royals?1795
Hottentot1796
yeoman1798
pandour1800
Faugh-a-Ballaghsc1811
forty-two man1816
kilty1842
Zouave1848
bumblerc1850
Inniskilliner1853
blue cap1857
turco1860
Zou-Zou1860
mudlark1878
king's man1883
Johnny1888
Piffer1892
evzone1897
horse gunner1897
dink1906
army ranger1910
grognard1912
Jock1914
chocolate soldier1915
Cook's tourist1915
dinkum1916
Anzaca1918
choc1917
ranger1942
Chindit1943
Desert Rat1944
Green Beret1949
1798 in Ld. Auckland's Corr. (1862) III. 429 Two of the yeomen of Lord Ely's corps..were hanged.., being condemned by a Courtmartial.
1812 Ann. Reg., Chron. 93 It being reported that a poor old woman had been killed by the carelessness of the yeomen, the crowd began to follow the cavalry.
1828 W. Scott Jrnl. 18 Mar. (1941) 210 I am one of the oldest if not the very oldest Yeoman in Scotland and have seen the rise progress and now the fall of this very constitutional part of the national force.
1912 L. Tracy Mirabel's Island (1915) iv. 65 ‘Were you in a Highland regiment?’ ‘No. I was a mere worm, an Imperial Yeoman.’
Compounds
C1. attributive and in other combinations.
a.
(a) General attributive.
yeoman class n.
Π
1876 M. E. Braddon Joshua Haggard's Daughter I. i. 5 The new-comer's costume was that of the yeoman class.
1878 W. Stubbs Constit. Hist. §803 After the economical changes which marked the early years of the fifteenth century, the yeoman class was strengthened by the addition of the body of the tenant farmers.
yeoman rank n.
Π
1862 G. W. Thornbury Life J. M. W. Turner I. 5 A family like Turner's that produced a small tradesman, a bank-clerk, and a solicitor, must have at least been of as good yeoman rank as Shakspeare's.
yeoman throng n.
Π
1808 W. Scott Marmion iii. xxviii. 161 And on the tale the yeoman throng Had made a comment sage and long.
(b) Appositive (see also Compounds 2). † yeoman sprat n. Obsolete
yeoman farmer n.
Π
1821 W. Cobbett Rural Rides in Cobbett's Weekly Polit. Reg. 17 Nov. 1198 Those only who rent..are, properly speaking, farmers. Those who till their own land are yeomen; and, when I was a boy, it was the common practice to call the former farmers and the latter yeomen-farmers.
yeoman gentleman n.
yeoman man n.
Π
1481 Acts Parl. Scot., Jas. III (1814) II. 139/2 For the slaying..of ony tratour..cummyn of gentill blude, thare salbe payit xx li And for a ȝeman man x li.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiii. 225 (rubric) How the ȝhemen men and the pouer men maid of schetis the maner of baneris.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 98 Witht sindrie wther gentillmen and money ȝeamen men of commons.
1593 Sc. Acts Jas. VI (1816) IV. 18/2 The panis and vnlawes of lawborrous..salbe of euery erll or lord Tua thowsand pund..and for euerie ȝeman man Ane hundreth markis.
yeoman proprietor n.
Π
1873 P. G. Hamerton Intellect. Life iii. iii. 83 A small yeoman proprietor cultivates his own land.
yeoman servant n.
Π
1498 in F. W. Weaver Somerset Medieval Wills (1901) 375 To every of my servants y callid yemen servants, 6s. 8d.
yeoman soldier n.
Π
1880 T. Hardy Trumpet-major I. v. 88 No impossible contingency with the yeoman-soldier.
Π
1622 T. Dekker & P. Massinger Virgin Martir ii. sig. D2v She tooke vs, tis true, from the gallowes, yet I hope she will not barre yeomen sprats to haue their swinge.
yeoman volunteer n.
Π
1808 in C. W. Thompson Rec. Dorset Yeomanry (1894) 87 Report of the Dorset Yeomen Volunteers.
b. † yeoman ale n. Obsolete name for second quality of ale.† yeoman bread n. (also yeoman's bread) Obsolete name for second quality of bread.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > ale or beer > ale > [noun] > second-quality ale
yeoman ale1532
1532 in J. C. Atkinson Cartularium Abbathiae de Rievalle (1889) 355 Of yoman aile of the great fatt, v gallons.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > dishes and prepared food > bread > [noun] > second-quality bread
cocketc1390
yeoman bread1430
cheatc1450
alms-bread1600
1430 Charters Selby Abbey, York (B.M. Add. Ch. 45849) 8 panes secundarios vocatos yhomanbreed.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Bread called Yomens bread, domesticus panis.
1620 T. Venner Via Recta i. 18 Secundarium is that part of the meale, whereof yeoman-bread is made, which some call second bread.
yeoman service n. (see 1c).
c. yeoman-like adj., yeoman-wise adv.
Π
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 90 They could neither speak with nor make one another, (if I may word it so much Yeoman-wise).
1682 H. More Contin. Collection 38 in J. Glanvil Saducismus Triumphatus (ed. 2) A proper Yeoman-like Man.
1828 C. Swan in tr. A. Manzoni Betrothed Lovers I. Pref. p. viii His bold, and honest, and yeoman-like bearing.
C2. Used appositively in the titles of various attendants and officials: see also these words.† yeoman brever n. Obsolete† yeoman fewterer n. Obsolete† yeoman furner n. Obsolete† yeoman garneter n. Obsolete† yeoman herbergeour n. Obsolete (see harbinger n.).
yeoman bedel n.
Π
1637 W. Laud Let. 26 May in Remains (1770) II. 132 If the University would..bring in some Bachelors of Art to be Yeomen-Bedels, which are well grounded and towardly to serve that Press, as Composers..they..might after be preferred to be Esq; Bedels.
1853 ‘C. Bede’ Adventures Mr. Verdant Green vii. 60 The Vice-Chancellor, with his Esquire and Yeoman-bedels.
Π
1553 in Archaeologia 12 359 The celler. Servauntes..John Thorowgood and Jeffrey Perrens, yeomen brevers.
yeoman cook n.
Π
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 195/1 To Thomas Cateby, Yoman Cooke for oure mouth.
yeoman farrier n. (also †yeoman ferrer)
Π
1454 Acts Privy Council (1837) VI. 213 Robert Pilchard yoman ferrour.
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 23 In th' office of the Stable—1 Sergeant Ferrour—1 Yoman Ferrour.
1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor ii. i. sig. Fv And perhaps stumble vpon a yeoman Pheuterer, as I doe now. View more context for this quotation
1630 P. Massinger Picture sig. M If you will bee An honest yeoman pheuterer, feed vs first, And walke vs after?
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 33 Three Yeomen ferriers.
1650 N. Ward Discolliminium 52 The rest of the Subjects [shall be] Yeomen-futerers and Gold-finders.
Π
1553 in Archaeologia 12 357 The Countinge howse. Servants..Rauffe Englishe, yeoman furnator..Robert Style, yeoman garnator.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 19 William Peye, Yoman Fourner.
Π
1454 Acts Privy Council (1837) VI. 213 Thomas Wente, yoman garnetter.
1553 in Archaeologia 12 357 Robarte Style, yeoman garnator.
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 33 Three Yeomen granators: Fee a peice per diem 9 d.
yeoman gunner n.
Π
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 198/1 The office of Yoman Gonner of oure Citee and Castell of Westchestre.
Π
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 195/1 Oure servaunt John Ripon, one of oure Yomen Herbergeours.
1642 in W. H. Black Docquets Lett. Patent at Oxf. (1837) 341 His Mate gent' & yeomen Harbingers.
yeoman herd n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 21 1 Yoman Herde.
yeoman messenger n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 19 John Swyllyngton, Yoman Messenger.
yeoman pandemain-baker n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 19 William Brynklowe, Yoman Paymenbaker.
yeoman porter n.
Π
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur vi. ix. 196 He fond a yoman porter kepyng ther many keyes.
1560 in J. Scott Berwick-upon-Tweed (1888) 449 The yeoman porters at any of the gates of this towne.
1708 J. Chamberlayne Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 22) ii. iii. 628 Yeoman Porter for Oil and Candle for the Gate.
1766 J. Entick Surv. London in New Hist. London IV. 347 The yeoman porter goes to the governor's house for the keys.
yeoman powder-beater n.
Π
1454 in H. Nicolas Proc. & Ordinances Privy Council (1837) VI. 227 Thoffice of þe spicery..Alexander Rowton, yoman Pouder beter.
1601 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 295 The Yeoman powder-beater hath for his fees, all the bagges and boxes,..and all the barrells once emptied.
yeoman pricker n. (see pricker n. 1b).
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > hunter > [noun] > attendant at hunt
pricker1575
yeoman pricker1586
shikari1827
ghillie1832
1586 T. Randolph in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 123 To lend him..a cowple of her Majesties Yeomen prickers and a cowple of the Groomes of the Leese.
1760 R. Heber Horse Matches ix. 23 50 l. was run for, free only for the Huntsmen, Yeomen Prickers, and Keepers of Windsor Forest.
1789 G. White Nat. Hist. Selborne 17 I saw myself one of the yeomen-prickers single out a stag from the herd.
1820 W. Scott Monastery II. iii*. 130 Were you to put in for it, I would warrant you were made one of the Abbot's yeomen-prickers.
1891 Daily News 12 June 3/1 At Ascot..the Royal procession..was headed by Lord Coventry, the Master of the Buckhounds, and the whips and yeomen prickers in their picturesque uniform of green and scarlet.
yeoman purveyor n.
Π
1454 Acts Privy Council (1837) VI. 213 Richard Walgrave and John Glover yomen purveours.
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 33 Foure Yeomen Purveiours: Fee a peice per diem 9 d.
yeoman skinner n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 Stephen Coote, Yoman Skynner.
yeoman surgeon n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 John Marchall, Yoman Surgeon.
yeoman usher n.
Π
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 519 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 316 Ȝomon vssher be-fore þe dore, In vttur chambur lies on þe flore.
1614 in W. H. Stevenson Rec. Borough Nottingham (1889) IV. 319 To the Yeoman Vsher's grooms and pages..xl s.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης xxiv. 192 The Yeomen Ushers of Devotion.
1708 J. Chamberlayne Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 22) ii. iii. 555 Mr. Ric. Pearson, Yeoman Usher.
yeoman waiter n.
Π
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. liii There was..as many good housholdes kept, & as many yomen wayters therin as be nowe.
1526 Eltham Ordinances in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 152 The yeoman ushers and yeoman wayters for that day.
yeoman warder n.
Π
1573 in Hennell Hist. Yeom. Gd. (1904) 293 The yeomen warders of our Tower of London.
1947 Tower of London (Min. of Works) 13/2 The interior is shown to the public..on application to the Yeoman-Warder on duty.
1979 J. Gardner Nostradamus Traitor i. 2 ‘You are a Beefeater, yes?’ ‘Yeoman Warder, Ma'am. Beefeater's a kind of nickname.’
yeoman wheat n. a variety of wheat originally grown in England.
Π
1929 Morning Post 2 Oct. 12/2 All-English [flour]..is made exclusively from English wheat other than yeoman wheat.
C3. With of (or for) followed by a word indicating the particular department or function, in the titles of various officials, esp. of a royal or noble household.
a.
yeoman for the hall n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 20 John Canne, Yomen for the halle.
yeoman for the household n.
yeoman for the mouth n. (see mouth n. 2d).
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 20 William Pratte, Yoman for the King's mouth.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. v. sig. Ziv Yoman for the mouthe with the kynge.
1699 B. E. New Dict. Canting Crew Yeoman of the Mouth, an Officer belonging to his Majestie's Pantry.
yeoman for the sething place n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 21 Roger Sutton, Yoman for the sething place.
yeoman of the armoury n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 Richard Clerk, Yoman of the Armurie.
yeoman of the beds n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 Henri Est, Yoman of the Beddes.
yeoman of the bottles n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 19 William Wytnall, Yoman for the botilles.
1591 W. R. Murther John Ld. Bourgh A4v One Iohn Powell yeoman of the bottels.
yeoman of the buttery n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1473 Rolls of Parl. VI. 97/2 Richard Forster, Yoman of the Botry of oure Houshold.
yeoman of the cellar n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1508 Bk. Keruynge (de Worde) sig. A.iv Yeman of the seller and ewery.
yeoman of the chamber n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > members of chamberlain's department
yeoman of the chamber1345
groom of the stole1455
yeoman of the robes1455
yeoman of the stole1455
groom1464
yeoman of the wardrobe?1523
1345–8 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 4 Yeomen of the Kinges chamber.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 62 Thre yomen of his chambre.
1438 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 110 The yomen of my lordys chambre.
yeoman of the close cart n.
Π
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 33 Yeoman of the Stirrup... Yeoman of the Male... Yeoman of the close Carte.
yeoman of the crown n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > other officers of royal or great household
yeoman of the crown1450
sea-fisher1455
solicitor1460
stationary1462
Clerk of the Signet1489
prothonotary1502
Clerk of the Check1541
yeoman of the revels1552
yeoman of the tents1552
Queen's Remembrancer1647
labourer in trust1746
Master of the Buckhounds1753
cock-crower1785
ministerial1818
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 192/2 Yoman of the Coroune, and Ussher of oure Chambre.
1498 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Court of Requests (1898) 5 William Frost oon of your Yomons of the Crowne.
yeoman of the ewery n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1450 Rolls of Parl. V. 194/1 Watkyn Bedell, Yoman of oure Ewre.
yeoman of the horse n. (also yeoman of the horses)
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of horses or stables
master of the horse1449
yeoman of the horse1455
yeoman of the stable1455
equerry1526
yeoman of the stirrup1526
stall-master1659
Crown Equerry1814
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 23, 1 Yoman of Horse.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 291/1 Yeman of the horse, palfrenier.
1586 T. Bowes tr. P. de la Primaudaye French Acad. I. 339 The yeomen of his horses.
yeoman of the King's bows n.
Π
1531 in H. A. Ford & W. Butt Theory & Pract. Archery (1887) 141 Yoeman of the Kinges bowes.
yeoman of the larder n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of food, table, or plate
butlerc1325
asseour1448
yeoman of the ewery1450
yeoman for the mouth1455
yeoman of the bottles1455
lardiner1469
yeoman of the buttery1473
surveyora1475
assewer1478
larderer1483
yeoman of the cellar1508
bread-bearer1518
groom-grubber1526
bottlemana1550
yeoman of the larder1585
saucery-man1691
plateman1842
plate-keeper1843
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 510/2 Promus,..a butler: a yeoman of the larder.
yeoman of the offices n.
Π
1345–8 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 4 Yeomen of the offices.
yeoman of the revels n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > other officers of royal or great household
yeoman of the crown1450
sea-fisher1455
solicitor1460
stationary1462
Clerk of the Signet1489
prothonotary1502
Clerk of the Check1541
yeoman of the revels1552
yeoman of the tents1552
Queen's Remembrancer1647
labourer in trust1746
Master of the Buckhounds1753
cock-crower1785
ministerial1818
1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 111 Iohn howlte yeman of the Revelles.
yeoman of the robes n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > members of chamberlain's department
yeoman of the chamber1345
groom of the stole1455
yeoman of the robes1455
yeoman of the stole1455
groom1464
yeoman of the wardrobe?1523
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 17 John Slytherst, Yoman of the Robes.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Yoman or master of the robes, vestiarius.
yeoman of the salt-stores n.
Π
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Acatery A Yeoman of the Salt-Stores.
yeoman of the sauces n.
Π
1650 in Archaeologia 5 435 The Saucery House, conteyning foure little roomes used by the yeoman of the sauces.
yeoman of the stable n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > in charge of horses or stables
master of the horse1449
yeoman of the horse1455
yeoman of the stable1455
equerry1526
yeoman of the stirrup1526
stall-master1659
Crown Equerry1814
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 23, 11 Yeoman and Gromes of the Stable.
1473 in T. Dickson Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1877) I. 55 The Hensmen and ȝomen of the stablis for the King and the Quene.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 325 The king callit on ane ȝemen of the stabill and desyrit ane of his abullȝementis.
yeoman of the stirrup n.
Π
1526 Eltham Ordinances in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 203 The wages of the yeoman of the stirrop at 3d. per diem.
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Strator, he that helpeth his mayster to horsebacke, yeman of the styrope.
1647 L. Haward Charges Crown Revenue 23 Yeoman of the Stirrup: Fee, per diem 9. d.
1692 London Gaz. No. 2809/3 The Yeoman of the Stirrup.
yeoman of the stool n.
Π
1455 in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 18 Yoman of the Stoole.
yeoman of the tents n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > other officers of royal or great household
yeoman of the crown1450
sea-fisher1455
solicitor1460
stationary1462
Clerk of the Signet1489
prothonotary1502
Clerk of the Check1541
yeoman of the revels1552
yeoman of the tents1552
Queen's Remembrancer1647
labourer in trust1746
Master of the Buckhounds1753
cock-crower1785
ministerial1818
1552–3 in A. Feuillerat Documents Office of Revels Edward VI (1914) 111 Yeman of the Tentes.
1679–88 in J. Y. Akerman Moneys Secret Services Charles II & James II (1851) 135 To Thomas Howard, yeoman of the tents and toyles, for his charge in removing the toyles and waggons.
yeoman of the wardrobe n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > official of royal or great household > [noun] > members of chamberlain's department
yeoman of the chamber1345
groom of the stole1455
yeoman of the robes1455
yeoman of the stole1455
groom1464
yeoman of the wardrobe?1523
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. liiv The yomen of the wardroppes of noble men.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. v. 38 The Lady of the Strachy, married the yeoman of the wardrobe . View more context for this quotation
b.
yeoman of the channel n. (an official of the Corporation of London: see channel n.1 3a).
ΘΠ
society > authority > office > holder of office > other municipal officials > [noun] > municipal officials with specific duties > in London
common hunt1535
foreign taker1618
street man1668
yeoman of the channel1708
1708 J. Chamberlayne Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (ed. 22) ii. iii. xliii. 688 Yeoman of the Channel.
c. Hence in humorous allusion.
yeoman of the collar n. a prisoner with an iron band round his neck (collar n. 5).
ΘΠ
society > authority > punishment > imprisonment > prisoner > [noun] > in fetters
footfasta1400
yeoman of the collar?1515
?1515 Hyckescorner (de Worde) sig. A.vv Frewyll. Syr laye you beneth or on hye on the seller. Imagy. Nay ywys amonge ye thyckest of yemen of the coller.
yeoman of the cord n. = yeoman of the halter n.
ΘΠ
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] > hangman > assistant
under-hangmana1616
yeoman of the corda1634
yeoman of the halter1802
a1634 J. Day Peregrinatio Scholastica (Sloane 3150) f. 29v A kinsman of myne, that is grome of the ladder, and yeoman of the Corde.
yeoman of the halter n. a hangman, or hangman's assistant.
ΘΠ
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] > hangman > assistant
under-hangmana1616
yeoman of the corda1634
yeoman of the halter1802
1802 J. T. Smith Bk. for Rainy Day (1861) 169 A most diabolical-looking little wretch, denominated ‘the Yeoman of the Halter’, Jack Ketch's head man.
Derivatives
yeomaness n. = yeowoman n.
ΘΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific ranks of common people > [noun] > yeoman > woman
yeomaness1623
goody1708
yeowoman1852
1623 J. Wodroephe Spared Houres Souldier 211/2 Yeamanesse, good wife, haue you no fresh egges?
1623 J. Wodroephe Spared Houres Souldier 283/2 Valiant like the yeamenesses [Fr. Paysantes] of Lombardie.
yeomanhood n. the position or station of a yeoman.
ΘΠ
society > society and the community > social class > the common people > specific ranks of common people > [noun] > yeoman > condition, position, or station of
yeomanryc1386
yeomanhood1889
1889 G. Saintsbury Ess. Eng. Lit. (1890) 6 They had apparently lost even the dignity of yeomanhood.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1345