Free"dom (frē"dŭm), n. [AS. freódōm; freófree + -
dom. See Free, and -dom.]
1. The state of
being free; exemption from the power and
control of another; liberty; independence.
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more.
Milton. 2. Privileges; franchises;
immunities.
Your charter and your caty's freedom.
Shak.
3. Exemption from necessity, in choise and action; as, the freedom of the will.
4. Ease; facility; as, he speaks or
acts with freedom.
5. Frankness; openness;
unreservedness.
I emboldened spake and freedom used.
Milton.
6. Improper familiarity; violation
of the rules of decorum; license.
7. Generosity; liberality. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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.
Hear it pronounced