yeoman's service

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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An allusion to stouthearted, dutiful labor performed by a yeoman.

Noun

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yeoman's service

  1. (idiomatic, of behavior by a person) Arduous work, performed in a vigorous, committed manner.
    • 1891, Charlotte Mary Yonge, chapter 7, in Unknown to History:
      He hath done yeoman's service, and proved himself staunch and faithful.
  2. (idiomatic, of an object or characteristic) Reliable, useful, capable service.

Translations

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