An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/semperfrei

by Friedrich Kluge

semperfrei, adj., ‘free-born, entitled to act as assessor of the synod,’ from MidHG. sëmpervrÎ, ‘subject only to the emperor and empire, authorised to hold a synod or to take part in it.’ Allied to MidHG. sënt, m., ‘senatus, diet, imperial diet,’ also ‘ecclesiastical assembly,’ like OHG. sënot (Lat. synodus); MidHG. sëmpœre, sëntbœre, prop., ‘authorised to take part in a synod.’