Free"dom (?), n. [AS. freodm; freofree + -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.
© Webster 1913.