Liberty

n. pl. Liberties (-tĭz).
  1. The state of a free person; exemption from subjection to the will of another claiming ownership of the person or services; freedom; -- opposed to slavery, serfdom, bondage, or subjection.
  2. Freedom from imprisonment, bonds, or other restraint upon locomotion.
  3. A privilege conferred by a superior power; permission granted; leave; as, liberty given to a child to play, or to a witness to leave a court, and the like.
  4. Privilege; exemption; franchise; immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant; as, the liberties of the commercial cities of Europe.
  5. The place within which certain immunities are enjoyed, or jurisdiction is exercised.
  6. A certain amount of freedom; permission to go freely within certain limits; also, the place or limits within which such freedom is exercised; as, the liberties of a prison.
  7. A privilege or license in violation of the laws of etiquette or propriety; as, to permit, or take, a liberty.
  8. The power of choice; freedom from necessity; freedom from compulsion or constraint in willing.
  9. (Manege) A curve or arch in a bit to afford room for the tongue of the horse.
  10. (Naut.) Leave of absence; permission to go on shore.
    11. At liberty
    1. Unconfined; free.
    2. At leisure.
    Civil liberty ,
    exemption from arbitrary interference with person, opinion, or property, on the part of the government under which one lives, and freedom to take part in modifying that government or its laws.
    Liberty bell .
    See under Bell.
    Liberty cap
    1. The Roman pileus which was given to a slave at his manumission.
    2. A limp, close-fitting cap with which the head of representations of the goddess of liberty is often decked. It is sometimes represented on a spear or a liberty pole.
    Liberty of the press ,
    freedom to print and publish without official supervision.
    Liberty party ,
    the party, in the American Revolution, which favored independence of England; in more recent usage, a party which favored the emancipation of the slaves.
    Liberty pole ,
    a tall flagstaff planted in the ground, often surmounted by a liberty cap.
    Moral liberty ,
    that liberty of choice which is essential to moral responsibility.
    Religious liberty ,
    freedom of religious opinion and worship.