[lib.er.ty] n, pl -ties [ME, fr. MF liberte, fr. L libertat-, libertas, fr. liber free--more at liberal] (14c) 1: the quality or state of being free: a: the power to do as one pleases b: freedom from physical restraint c: freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d: the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e: the power of choice
2. a: a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant: privilege b: permission esp. to go freely within specified limits
3: an action going beyond normal limits: as a: a breach of etiquette or propriety: familiarity b: risk, chance "took foolish liberties with his health" c: a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice d: a distortion of fact
4: a short authorized absence from naval duty usu. for less than 48 hours syn see freedom -- at liberty 1: free
2: at leisure: unoccupied