Liberty, lib' -er - te, s

freedom; leave; permi ion granted; immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant; privilege; space within which one has privilege or freedom; permi ion to go about; freedom of action or speech beyond the ordinary bounds of civility or decorum; as opposed to nece ity, the power of an agent to do or forbear any particular action [Metaphysics]. To take the liberty, to use freedom not specially granted in saying or doing anything. To set at liberty, to deliver from confinement or restraint. To be at liberty, to be free from restraint. Natural liberty, the power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the laws of nature. Civil liberty, the liberty of men in a state of society, or natural liberty, so far only abridged and restrained as is nece ary and expedient for the safety and interest of the society, state, or nation. Political liberty, the freedom of a nation or state from all unjust abridgment of its rights and independence. Religious liberty, the free right of adopting and enjoying opinions on religious subjects, and of worshipping the Supreme Being according to the dictates of conscience. Liberty of the pre , freedom from any restriction on the power to publish books, subject only to penalty for publishing what is mischievous to the public or injurious to individuals.