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
Net capital expenditure will be reduced by more than 1 billion pounds, with growth capex funded through the sale and releasing—or recycling—of the freehold real estate.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
This won't affect people like Tarran Wilson, who will still have to pay charges, because he is in a freehold.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
Though the pass system was still in effect, one did not need a special permit to enter a freehold township as was the case with municipal locations.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
