Freeman

[Lat. liber homo.] In civil and general law. One born or made free; the opposite of a slave.

Inst. 1. 3, 4, 5.

Omnis homo aut est liber aut est servus. Bract. fol.

4 b.

See Liber homo. In old European law. An allodial proprietor; the opposite of a vassal or feudal tenant, (vassus or vassallus.) Esprit des Lois, liv.

30, c. 17. 1 Robertson's Charles V. Appendix, Note viii.

In early English law. A free tenant, or freeholder; one who held land freely, as distinguished from a villein. Mag. Charta, c.

14.

Bract. fol.

24 b. 2 Inst. 27.

See Liber homo. In modern law. A member of a corporation, company or city, possessing certain privileges.

3 Steph. Com. 196, 197.