freedom

Noun

Synonyms: exemption

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
immunity from an obligation or dutySynonyms: exemption

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Freedom \Free"dom\ (fr[=e]"d[u^]m), n. [AS. fre['o]d[=o]m; fre['o]free + -dom. See Free, and -dom.]

1.The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence. [1913 Webster]

Made captive, yet deserving freedom more.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.Privileges; franchises; immunities. [1913 Webster]

Your charter and your caty's freedom.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.Exemption from necessity, in choise and action; as, the freedom of the will. [1913 Webster]

4.Ease; facility; as, he speaks or acts with freedom. [1913 Webster]

5.Frankness; openness; unreservedness. [1913 Webster]

I emboldened spake and freedom used.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

6.Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum; license. [1913 Webster]

7.Generosity; liberality. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Freedom fine, a sum paid on entry to incorporations of trades.

Freedom of the city, the possession of the rights and privileges of a freeman of the city; formerly often, and now occasionally, conferred on one not a resident, as a mark of honorary distinction for public services.

Syn: See Liberty. [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

FREEDOM, n. Exemption from the stress of authority in a beggarly half dozen of restraint's infinite multitude of methods. A political condition that every nation supposes itself to enjoy in virtual monopoly. Liberty. The distinction between freedom and liberty is not accurately known; naturalists have never been able to find a living specimen of either.

Freedom, as every schoolboy knows, Once shrieked as Kosciusko fell; On every wind, indeed, that blows I hear her yell.

She screams whenever monarchs meet, And parliaments as well, To bind the chains about her feet And toll her knell.

And when the sovereign people cast The votes they cannot spell, Upon the pestilential blast Her clamors swell.

For all to whom the power's given To sway or to compel, Among themselves apportion Heaven And give her Hell. Blary O'Gary