Editing Yeoman (section)

=== Yeomanry (14th–15th centuries) ===
{{anchor|Yeomanry}}
An early historical meaning that seems to have disappeared before our modern era is "something pertaining to or characteristic of a yeoman", such as the speech or the dress.<ref name="1928_OED_YeomanIA"/> Perhaps the best way of illustrating this meaning is to quote briefly from one of the earliest Middle English ballads. ''[[Robin Hood and the Potter]]'' survives as a manuscript dated from about 1500.<ref name=Rochester_RH_Potter_Intro/> Robin demands a one penny toll of the Potter, for which the traveler could then proceed unharmed by the outlaw. The Potter refuses to pay. A scuffle ensues, in which the Potter overcomes Robin. The Potter then wants to know whom he has beaten. After hearing Robin's name, the Potter responds (modern translation from glossary notes):{{r|"Rochester_RH_Potter"|at=lines 85–89}}
{{Quote box |border=2px |width=45% |align=center
|quote=<poem>
"It is full little courtesy," said the potter.
"As I have heard wise men say,
If'n a poor yeoman come driving over the way,
To hold him on his journey."

"By my troth, thou says truth", said Robin.
"Thou says good yeomanry;
And though thou go forth every day,
Thou shalt not be held by me."
</poem>
}}
In the first stanza the Potter describes himself as a poor yeoman, whom people say Robin Hood would never stop or waylay (also known as a holdup). It is obvious from the story that the Potter was not dressed in a yeomanly manner, otherwise Robin would have never accosted him. It was not until Robin heard the Potter speak that he recognizes him as a yeoman. Whether he was referring to his direct straightforward manner, or his dialect, or both, is unclear to a 21st-century reader. But it is apparent that the original 15th century audiences knew exactly what ''good yeomanry'' was.