A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Ferdingus (fər-ding-gəs) is a historical term used to describe a freeman of the lowest class.

Example: In medieval England, ferdingus were peasants who were free to work for themselves but had very little wealth or social status.

Explanation: The term ferdingus was used to distinguish the lowest class of freemen from other social classes in medieval England. These individuals were typically poor and had limited opportunities for social mobility. The example illustrates how the term was used to describe a specific group of people in a particular historical context.