yeomanry Definition
- 1a group of men who held and cultivated small landed estates, especially in the 18th and early 19th centuries
- 2a British volunteer cavalry force organized in the late 18th century for home defense against a possible French invasion
Using yeomanry: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "yeomanry" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The yeomanry were responsible for maintaining law and order in rural areas.
Example
The yeomanry was mobilized to defend against the French invasion.
Example
The yeomanry were often seen as the backbone of the British army.
yeomanry Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with yeomanry
Example
The county yeomanry played an important role in the defense of Britain during the Napoleonic Wars.
Example
The imperial yeomanry were made up of volunteers from across the British Empire.
Example
The yeomanry cavalry were used to supplement the regular cavalry during times of war.
Origins of yeomanry
from Middle English 'yeman', meaning 'attendant, servant' + '-ry', meaning 'collective suffix'
Summary: yeomanry in Brief
Yeomanry [yoh-muh n-ree] refers to two distinct groups: one consisting of men who held and cultivated small landed estates in the 18th and early 19th centuries, and the other a British volunteer cavalry force organized in the late 18th century for home defense against a possible French invasion. The yeomanry played an important role in maintaining law and order in rural areas and defending Britain during times of war. It includes subgroups such as county yeomanry, imperial yeomanry, and yeomanry cavalry.