FREE

I, Unconstrained; having power to follow the dictates of his own will. Not subject to the dominion of another. Not compelled to involuntary servitude. Used 1n this sense as opposed to "slave." 2, Not bound to service for a fixed term of years; in distinction to being bound as an apprentice. 3. Enjoying full civic rights. 4. Available to all citizens alike without charge; as a free school. 5. Available for public use without charge or toll; as a free bridge. 6. Not despotic; a uring liberty; defending individual rights against _encroachment by any person or cla ; instituted by a free people; said of governments, institutions, etc. Webster. 7. Certain, and also consistent with an honor a ble degree in life; as free services, in the feudal law. 8. Confined to the person po e ing, instead of being shared with others; as a free fishery. 9. Not engaged in a war as belligerent or ally;.neutral; as 1n the maxim, "Free ships make free goods."..:.Free alms. The name of a species of ten• ure. See FBANK-ALMOIGNE.-Free and clear, The title to property is said to be "free and clear'' when it is not incumbered by any liens; but it is said that an agreement to convey land "free and clear" is satisfied by a conveyance pa ing a good title. Meyer v. Madre perl a, 68 N. J. Law, 258, 53 At!. 477, 96 Am. St. Rep. 536.-Free-bench. A widow's dower out of copyholds to which she is entitled by the custom of some manors. It is regarded as an excrescence growing out of the husband's interest, and is indeed a continuance of his estate. Wharton.-Free-bord. In old records. An allowance of land over and above a certain limit or boundary, as so much beyond or without a fence. Cowell; Blount. The right of claiming that quantity. Termes de la Ley.- Free borough men, Such great men as did not engage, like the frank-pledge men, for their decennier. Jacob.-Free chapel, In English ecclesiastical law. A place of worship, so called because not liable to the visitation of the ordinary. It is always of royal foundation, or founded at lea·st by private persons to wnom the crown has granted the privilege. 1 Burn, IDcc. Law, 298.-Free course. In admiralty law. A ve el having the wind from a favorable quarter is said to sail on a "free course," or said to be "going free" when she has a· fair (following} wind and her yards braced in. The Queen Elizabeth (D. C.) 100 Fed. 876.-Free entry, egre , and regre . An expre ion used to denote that a person has the right to go on land again and again as often as may be reasonably nece ary. Thus, in the case · of a tenant entlitled to.emblements.-Free fishery. See FlsHERY.-Free law. A term formerly used in England to designate the free- [s. 529]