A citizen or freeman of a medieval town or city, especially one belonging to the merchant or artisan class. Burghers formed the emerging middle class and often held special privileges and responsibilities within urban communities.
From Middle High German 'burgære,' meaning 'castle dweller' or 'town dweller,' related to 'burg' (fortified place). The term spread throughout medieval Europe as towns gained independence and their inhabitants acquired distinct legal status separate from rural peasants.
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