FREE COMPANIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Free companions were individuals who voluntarily joined together in groups or associations for a common purpose or goal during the medieval period. The term primarily referred to the medieval mercenaries who served as soldiers for hire, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries.
These free companions were distinctive from regular soldiers or feudal subjects as they were not bound by fealty or obligation to a specific lord or ruler. Instead, they enjoyed a greater degree of freedom in their choice of employment and allegiance. These groups of free companions were often composed of seasoned warriors, knights, or men-at-arms who sought fortune and adventure outside of their homelands.
The free companions functioned as professional fighting units that offered their services to various lords, armies, or city-states, often fighting in exchange for wages, plunder, or land grants. They were renowned for their skill and prowess in battle, which made them highly sought after by those in need of military support.
While some free companions operated independently, others affiliated themselves with larger military companies or groups known as "free companies." These companies could range from a few dozen to several thousand soldiers, and they played a pivotal role in shaping medieval warfare.
Nevertheless, the term "free companions" has also been used more broadly to describe any group of individuals who came together for a mutual cause or interest. Such associations could include guilds, religious orders, or even bands of outlaws, emphasizing the sense of freedom and camaraderie that characterized these formations.
Common Misspellings for FREE COMPANIONS
- dree companions
- cree companions
- vree companions
- gree companions
- tree companions
- rree companions
- feee companions
- fdee companions
- ffee companions
- ftee companions
- f5ee companions
- f4ee companions
- frwe companions
- frse companions
- frde companions
- frre companions
- fr4e companions
- fr3e companions
- frew companions
- fres companions
Etymology of FREE COMPANIONS
The term "free companions" originated in the Middle Ages and has its roots in Old English and Old French.
The word "free" comes from Old English "freo", meaning "not in bondage, independent, not a slave". It can be traced back to the Germanic language family, where the Old English word is related to the Old High German "frī", Old Norse "frjá", and Gothic "frija".
The word "companions" comes from the Old French "compagnon", which in turn derives from the Late Latin "companio", meaning "comrade, colleague, partner". The Latin term is a compound of "com-" (meaning "with, together") and "panis" (meaning "bread"). This compound term originates from the idea of sharing bread together, emphasizing a relationship based on mutual support and camaraderie.
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