goodman

¹ American  

[good-muhn] / ˈgʊd mən /

noun

Archaic.

plural

goodmen

1. the master of a household; husband.

2. (initial capital letter) a title of respect used for a man below the rank of gentleman, especially a farmer or yeoman.

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Goodman ² American  

[good-muhn] / ˈgʊd mən /

noun

1. Benjamin David Benny, 1909–86, U.S. jazz clarinetist and bandleader.

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goodman ¹ British  

/ ˈɡʊdmən /

noun

1. a husband

2. a man not of gentle birth: used as a title

3. a master of a household

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Goodman ² British  

/ ˈɡʊdmən /

noun

1. Benny, full name Benjamin David Goodman. 1909–86, US jazz clarinetist and bandleader, whose treatment of popular songs created the jazz idiom known as swing

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Etymology

Origin of goodman

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; good, -man

Example Sentences

Both Manuel Quezon and goodman Osme�a were mum last week.

From Time Magazine Archive

Judith did not stay to regard them further; but she could not help casting a look before she left at goodman Matthew, who stood there discomfited, dispossessed, unheeded, annihilated, as it were.

From Judith Shakespeare Her love affairs and other adventures by Black, William

After this manner did the gleesome chat go on, now that the surly goodman had withdrawn from the scene.

From The Shepherd's Calendar Volume I (of II) by Hogg, James

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 

From Rome, Turkey, and Jerusalem by Hoare, Edward

He begged her not to move, and asked if the goodman was at home.

From Sophia A Romance by Weyman, Stanley John

Related Words

• head of the house
• householder