FREEDMAN Meaning and
Definition
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A Freedman refers to a person who was formerly enslaved or held in bondage, and subsequently granted their freedom or emancipated. The term originated in the United States during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era to describe individuals who were set free from the institution of slavery. Typically, freedmen were people of African descent, as they were subjected to enslavement for generations prior to their liberation.
Freedmen faced numerous challenges upon gaining freedom, such as establishing themselves economically, socially, and politically in a society that still harbored racist ideals and segregationist policies. Many former slaves became sharecroppers or agricultural laborers, while others pursued education and skilled trades. The Freedmen's Bureau, a government agency established during Reconstruction, provided some assistance to freedmen, offering food, education, and medical care.
The term "freedman" is not confined to a specific historical context and can also be applicable to other regions or time periods where slavery existed and was abolished. The term implies the overturning of a legal system that enslaved individuals and acknowledges the attainment of liberty, but it does not imply full equality, as freedmen experienced widespread discrimination and limited civil rights.
Overall, a freedman stands as a symbol of endurance and resilience, embodying the triumph over oppression and the journey towards self-determination in the face of adversity.
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A slave set at liberty by law.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of FREEDMAN
The word "freedman" has its origin in Old English. It comes from the combination of the two words "freo" (meaning free) and "man" (meaning a male person). In Old English, a "freedman" referred to a male person who had been set free from slavery or servitude. Over time, the term has been used to generally describe an emancipated or liberated individual, regardless of their gender.
Similar spelling words for FREEDMAN
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