A woman who is (personally) free; also, a woman who possesses the freedom of a city. (Cf. FREEMAN.)

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1611.  Bible, 1 Macc. ii. 11. All her ornaments are taken away, of a free-woman shee is become a bondslaue.

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1635.  R. N., trans. Camden’s Hist. Eliz., I. 3. She was alwaies her owne free woman, and obnoxious to none.

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1641.  Hinde, J. Bruen, l. 168. Are ye not rather the children of the bond woman, with scoffing Ismael, than children of the free woman, with holy Isaac.

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1766.  Entick, London, I. 471. Any freeman or freewoman of this city.

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