In the modern sense of freedom the laet was free enough.

He had house and home of his own, his life and limb were as secure as the ceorl's--save as against his lord; it is probable from what we see in later laws that as time went on he was recognized as a member of the nation, summoned to the folk-moot, allowed equal right at law, and called like the full free man to the hosting.

But he was unfree as regards lord and land.

He had neither part nor lot in the common land of the village.

The ground which he tilled he held of some freeman of the tribe to whom he paid rent in labour or in kind.