Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From freed + woman, after classical Latin līberta, feminine of lībertus.
Definition of freedwoman in US English:
freedwoman
nounˈfriːdˌwʊmən
historical
An emancipated female slave.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. From freed + woman, after classical Latin līberta, feminine of lībertus.