What does the term 'yeoman' imply about a person's role?

The term 'yeoman' historically refers to a class of small landowners or farmers who generally worked their own land and were considered to be part of the independent middle class. In many contexts, especially in medieval England, yeomen were seen as assistants or subordinates, particularly in relation to the gentry or nobility. They would often serve various roles in supporting higher-status individuals, such as serving as attendants or managing agricultural tasks.

This subservient or supportive aspect captures the essence of what being a yeoman entails, emphasizing loyalty and service to a greater authority. Yeomen played crucial roles within larger estates, providing necessary labor and support, which solidifies their implication as assistants in a hierarchical structure. This framework contrasts with the other options that imply positions of leadership, singular craftsmanship, or isolation, which do not align with the collective and supportive nature of the yeoman's role.