I. ˈlibə(r)ˌtēn, ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷, chiefly Brit -tīn noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English libertyn, from Latin libertinus, from libertinus, adjective
1.
a. obsolete : manumitted slave : freedman
b. usually capitalized : a member of a first-century Jerusalem synagogue composed of the descendants of Jews who had been carried in captivity to Rome and later freed
members of the synagogue of the Libertines disputed with Stephen according to Acts 6:9 (AV)
2. usually capitalized
a. : one of a political party in Geneva that until its fall in 1555 championed the ancient liberties of the city against the rigor of Calvin and the French refugees — called also Perrinist
b. : one of a 16th century pantheistic sect in France and the Netherlands that denied the distinction between good and evil
3. : a freethinker especially in religious matters — usually used disparagingly
4. : one that is markedly unrestrained especially by convention or morality ; especially : one leading a dissolute life
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin libertinus of a freedman, from libertus freedman (from liber free) + -inus -ine — more at liberal
: of, belonging to, or being a libertine: as
a. : freethinking in religion — usually used disparagingly
b. archaic : free from restraint : uncontrolled
c.
(1) : showing unusual freedom from conventions or usual or standard patterns of behavior
(2) : morally loose in conduct : licentious , profligate , dissolute