FREE-LANCE
\fɹˈiːlˈans], \fɹˈiːlˈans], \f_ɹ_ˈiː_l_ˈa_n_s]\
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A member of one of those companies of knights and men-at-arms who wandered from place to place, after the crusades, selling their services to the highest bidder. They played their most conspicuous part in Italy, where they were called Condottieri. Figuratively applied to literary men and others whose service is not constant in its location or purpose.
By Daniel Lyons