E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Yeoman’s Service.
Regular hard work; effectual service; excellent service whether in a good or bad cause. The reference is to the yeomen of the Free Companies.
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“The whole training of Port Royal did him yeoman’s service.”—Shorthouse: Sir Percival, p. 56.
“We found a long knife, and a knotted handkerchief stained with blood, with which Claude had no doubt recently done yeoman’s service.”—Miss Robinson: Whitefriars, chap. viii.
