[lib.er.al.ism] n (1819) 1: the quality or state of being liberal
2. a often cap: a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usu. based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d cap: the principles and policies of a Liberal party -- lib.er.al.ist n or adj -- lib.er.al.is.tic adj