Part 337

Free (fr), a. [Compar. Freer (-r); superl. Freest (-st).] [OE. fre, freo, AS. freÛ, fr; akin to D. vrij, OS. & OHG. fr, G. frei, Icel. fr, Sw. & Dan. fri, Goth. freis, and also to Skr. prija beloved, dear, fr. pr to love, Goth. frijn. Cf. Affray, Belfry, Friday, Friend, Frith inclosure.] 1. Exempt from subjection to the will of others; not under restraint, control, or compulsion; able to follow one's own impulses, desires, or inclinations; determining one's own course of action; not dependent; at liberty.

That which has the power, or not the power, to operate, is that alone which is or is not free.

Locke.

2. Not under an arbitrary or despotic government; subject only to fixed laws regularly and fairly administered, and defended by them from encroachments upon natural or acquired rights; enjoying political liberty.

3. Liberated, by arriving at a certain age, from the control of parents, guardian, or master.

4. Not confined or imprisoned; released from arrest; liberated; at liberty to go.

Set an unhappy prisoner free.

Prior.

5. Not subjected to the laws of physical necessity; capable of voluntary activity; endowed with moral liberty; -- said of the will.

Not free, what proof could they have given sincere Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love.

Milton.

6. Clear of offense or crime; guiltless; innocent.

My hands are guilty, but my heart is free.

Dryden.

7. Unconstrained by timidity or distrust; unreserved; ingenuous; frank; familiar; communicative.

He was free only with a few.

Milward.

8. Unrestrained; immoderate; lavish; licentious; -- used in a bad sense.

The critics have been very free in their censures.

Felton.

A man may live a free life as to wine or women.

Shelley.

9. Not close or parsimonious; liberal; open- handed; lavish; as, free with his money.

10. Exempt; clear; released; liberated; not encumbered or troubled with; as, free from pain; free from a burden; -- followed by from, or, rarely, by of.

Princes declaring themselves free from the obligations of their treaties.

Bp. Burnet.

11. Characteristic of one acting without restraint; charming; easy.

12. Ready; eager; acting without spurring or whipping; spirited; as, a free horse.