ETYM Old Eng. yoman, yeman, yoman; of uncertain origin; perhaps the first, syllable is akin to OFries. gâ district, region, German gau, Old High Germ. gewi, gouwi, Goth. gawi.
(Irregular plural: yeomen).
In former times was free and cultivated his own land.
Officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch; SYN. yeoman of the guard, beefeater.

A British volunteer cavalry force organized in 1761 for home defense later incorporated into the Territorial Army.
Class of small freeholders who cultivated their own land.