1375–1425; late Middle English frehold ( see free, hold 1); translation of Anglo-French franc tenement ( see frank 1, tenement)
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Burley awarded a "relatively low" financial compensation of about Aus$100,000, based on the freehold value of the land.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
Burley awarded a "relatively low" financial compensation of about Aus$100,000, based on the freehold value of the land.
From Barron's • May 12, 2026
The 1,500-acre freehold integrated industrial hub has an estimated gross development value of MYR3.5 billion over 10 years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
As first reported by the Sheffield Tribune, Andrew Milne bought the freehold for almost 300 homes at auction in the summer at a cost of about £320 each.
From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025
“O yes,” said Wemmick, “I have got hold of it, a bit at a time. It’s a freehold, by George!”
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
