— autonomist , n.
/aw ton"euh mee/ , n. , pl. autonomies .
1. independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions: the autonomy of the individual.
2. the condition of being autonomous; self-government, or the right of self-government; independence: The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.
3. a self-governing community.
[ 1615-25; autonomía independence, equiv. to autónom ( os ) AUTONOMOUS + -ia -Y 3 ]