Legal Definitions - yeoman

The term yeoman has evolved in meaning, referring to distinct roles in different historical and modern contexts.

• Historically, particularly in England, a yeoman was a free man who owned and cultivated his own land, placing him in a social class below a gentleman but above a laborer. This status often came with specific legal rights and civic responsibilities, such as the right to vote or serve on juries.

• In a separate, modern context, a yeoman is a specific rank within the U.S. Navy, typically referring to a petty officer who performs administrative and clerical duties.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of the term:

• Example 1 (Historical Landowner):

  In 16th-century rural England, Thomas Croft was known as a yeoman. He owned a modest farm, which he and his family diligently worked, growing crops and raising livestock. His land ownership qualified him to serve on the local jury, a responsibility he took seriously as a respected member of the community.

  This example illustrates the historical meaning of a yeoman as a free landowner who cultivated his own property and, by virtue of that ownership, held certain legal rights and civic duties within his community.

• Example 2 (U.S. Navy):

  Petty Officer Second Class Sarah Chen serves as a yeoman aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Her daily duties involve managing official correspondence, maintaining personnel records for her division, and preparing travel orders and reports for the ship's command staff.

  Here, the term 'yeoman' refers to a specific administrative role within the U.S. Navy, highlighting her responsibilities for clerical and organizational support.