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  Free \Free\ (fr[=e]), a. [Compar. {Freer} (-[~e]r); superl.
     {Freest} (-[e^]st).] [OE. fre, freo, AS. fre['o], fr[=i];
     akin to D. vrij, OS. & OHG. fr[=i], G. frei, Icel. fr[=i],
     Sw. & Dan. fri, Goth. freis, and also to Skr. prija beloved,
     dear, fr. pr[=i] to love, Goth. frij[=o]n. Cf. {Affray},
     {Belfry}, {Friday}, {Friend}, {Frith} inclosure.]
     1. Exempt from subjection to the will of others; not under
        restraint, control, or compulsion; able to follow one's
        own impulses, desires, or inclinations; determining one's
        own course of action; not dependent; at liberty.
        [1913 Webster]

              That which has the power, or not the power, to
              operate, is that alone which is or is not free.
                                                    --Locke.
        [1913 Webster]

Exempt from the subjection to the will of others.  That seems pretty
plain and simple to me.  The whys wherefors and whatnot of how this
definition has become so occluded elude me.

-- 
Ron Peterson                   -o)
87 Taylor Street               /\\
Granby, MA  01033             _\_v
https://www.yellowbank.com/   ---- 


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