A freeman of the city, in London, who, having paid certain fees, is entitled to wear the distinguishing dress or livery of the company, guild, or district to which he belongs, and also to enjoy certain other privileges, as the right of voting in an election for the lord mayor, sheriffs, chamberlain, etc.
... he reached the little station of Winton and left the train, a tall, sturdy boy, the superior of many a man in size, strength and agility. His saddle bags over his arm, he went at once to the liveryman with whom he had left his horse on his journey to Charleston, and asked for another, his best, for the return ride to Pendleton. The liveryman stared at him a moment or two and then burst ... — The Guns of Bull Run - A Story of the Civil War's Eve • Joseph A. Altsheler