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Simple English definitions for legal terms
yeoman
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A quick definition of yeoman:
A yeoman is a person who owns and works on land, usually making a living from it. In the past, a yeoman was also someone who worked in a royal or noble household or held land worth 40 shillings per year. They were considered to be honest and law-abiding citizens who could serve on juries and vote for certain officials.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A yeoman is a historical term that can refer to several different things:
- An attendant in a royal or noble household.
- A commoner; a free-holder (under the rank of gentleman) who holds land yielding 40 shillings per year. This means that they were not wealthy enough to be considered a gentleman, but they owned enough land to be considered a respectable member of society.
- One who owns and cultivates property. This refers to someone who owns and works on their own land, rather than being a tenant farmer or laborer.
- A petty officer performing clerical work in the U.S. Navy.
For example, a yeoman in the 18th century might have been a farmer who owned a small plot of land and was able to vote and serve on juries because of his status as a free-holder. In the U.S. Navy, a yeoman might be responsible for keeping records and performing administrative tasks.
Overall, the term yeoman refers to someone who is a respectable member of society, but not necessarily wealthy or of noble birth.