Free

Definition - adj
1 a  : having the legal and political rights of a citizen <representatives...shall be determined by adding to the whole number of ~ persons ­U.S. Constitution art. I>
b  : enjoying civil and political liberty <a ~ people>
c  : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination <these united colonies are, and of right ought to be ~ and independent States ­Declaration of Independence>
d  : not subject to the control or domination of another
2  : made or done as a matter of choice and right
: not compelled or restricted <no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the ~ exercise thereof ­U.S. Constitution amend. I> <a ~ and voluntary confession>
3  : relieved from or lacking a burden (as a lien or other encumbrance on title) <a buyer in ordinary course of business...takes ~ of a security interest created by his seller ­Uniform Commercial Code>
4  : not bound, confined, or detained by force <~ on bail>
5 a  : having no trade restrictions
b  : not subject to government regulation
c  of foreign exchange : not subject to restriction or official control
6  : not costing or charging anything
: without charge

Definition - Transitive Verb
1  : to cause to be free
2  : to relieve or rid of what constrains, confines, restricts, or burdens



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Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
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Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
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