yeomanry

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a British volunteer cavalry force organized in 1761 for home defense later incorporated into the Territorial Army

   The yeomanry protected Britain on horseback.

2. 2
   noun

   class of small freeholders who cultivated their own land

   The yeomanry produced another great potato crop.

3. 3
   noun

   A class of small freeholders who cultivated their own land.

   The enfranchised yeomanry began to feel an instinct for dominion.

From Middle English ȝemanry, yemandry, yema[n]ri, yemanrye, yomandrye, yomanry; equivalent to yeoman + -ry.

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