I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English frehold (translation of Anglo-French fraunc tenement frank tenement), from fre free + hold (n.)
1.
a. : a tenure of real property by which an estate of inheritance in fee simple or fee tail or for life is held
b. : an estate held by such tenure — compare fee II 1
2. : a tenure of an office or dignity similar to a freehold
II. adverb
: by freehold
he owns, freehold , an estate which is rich, though unimproved — Ian Watt