n. (Lw) An estate in real property, of inheritance (in fee simple or fee tail) or for life; or the tenure by which such estate is held. Kent. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]
To abate into a freehold. See under Abate. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. 1. (Law) The possessor of a freehold. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A person who owns local property and has been a resident for a certain period of years; -- used in some U.S. counties. [ U.S., local ] [ PJC ]
3. (Politics, U.S) A member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of some county, such a board being a form of legislative and administrive body which controls the government in some counties in the United States. [ U.S., local ] [ PJC ]