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noun

goodman

GUUD-muhn
noun
1
An old-fashioned, polite term of address for a man, or a term for the male head of a household.
"The innkeeper greeted him, "Welcome, goodman, come warm yourself by the fire.""

How to Use Goodman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn archaic, courteous way of addressing a man, or referring to the man of the house.

When to use it

Obsolete outside historical fiction and period drama.

Word Forms

goodmen plural, Goodmans plural

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The innkeeper greeted him, "Welcome, _____, come warm yourself by the fire."

Etymology

From Middle English godeman, formed from "good" and "man."

Rhymes for goodman

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial