yeoman
/ˈjəʊ.mən/ · ye·oman
noun
- An official who provides honorable service in a royal or high noble household, ranking between a squire and a page, especially a member of the ceremonial Yeoman of the Guard to the UK monarch. The Yeoman of the Guard stood solemnly beside the queen during the State Opening of Parliament.
- A dependable, diligent, or loyal worker; someone who performs great service. She proved herself a true yeoman of the office, staying late to finish the project.
- A former class of small freeholders who farmed their own land; a commoner of good standing in historical England. In the 16th century, many yeomen owned modest farms and were respected members of the community.
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Did you know? The term ‘Yeoman Warder’ refers to the famous Beefeaters of the Tower of London, but they are not yeomen of the Guard; the two roles are often mistakenly conflated.