1. born free rather than in slavery or bondage
Usage: historical
2. having the rights and privileges of a free citizen from birth
Usage: historical; legal

Examples

• In ancient Rome, freeborn citizens had different legal rights than freed slaves.
• The freeborn population enjoyed privileges denied to those born into slavery.
• Historical records distinguish between freeborn and manumitted individuals.
• Freeborn children inherited their parents’ free status.
• The constitution protected the rights of freeborn citizens.
• Many freeborn Romans looked down upon former slaves who had gained their freedom.