1. a person who is not a slave or serf; a person who has personal freedom
Usage: historical
2. a person who has been granted the freedom of a city or borough, typically as an honor
Usage: formal; British
3. a person who enjoys civil and political rights in a community
Usage: historical

Examples

• After the Civil War, former slaves became freemen with legal rights.
• The mayor made him a freeman of the city in recognition of his charitable work.
• In medieval times, only freemen could own land and participate in trade.
• The ceremony honored several distinguished freemen of the borough.
• Freemen in ancient Rome had more privileges than slaves or foreigners.
• She was proud to be named a freeman of her hometown.
• The guild was open only to freemen of the city.