freelancer
UK[ˈfriːlɑːnsə]US[ˈfriːlænsər]
n
A person who works for different companies on particular jobs, rather than being permanently employed by one company.
Morpheme Breakdown
free
lance
er
free
lance
er
Etymology
The term 'freelancer' has a vivid martial origin. In the early 19th century, Sir Walter Scott used 'free lance' to describe a medieval mercenary knight who was not sworn to any lord's service and would fight for the highest bidder with his 'lance'. The literal components, 'free' (independent) and 'lance' (weapon), perfectly captured this concept of a warrior selling his services independently. By the 20th century, this metaphorical imagery was extended beyond the battlefield to the modern professional sphere. It now logically describes any independent worker who offers their specialized skills ('lance') on a project basis to various clients, maintaining their autonomy ('free').
Analysis
Structure: free + lance + er
free: From Old English 'frēo' (not in bondage, acting of one's own will). In this compound, it denotes independence and lack of permanent attachment.
lance: From Old French 'lance', from Latin 'lancea' (a light spear or javelin). In this compound, it metaphorically represents a weapon or tool of a mercenary soldier.
er: From Old English '-ere', an agent noun suffix indicating a person who performs an action.
Examples
She left her corporate job to become a successful freelance graphic designer.
The company often hires freelancers for short-term marketing campaigns.
As a freelancer, he enjoys the flexibility of choosing his own projects and clients.