n.
(pl. liberties)
- the state of being free from oppression or imprisonment.
- a right or privilege, especially a statutory one.
- the power or scope to act as one pleases.
- informal a presumptuous remark or action.
- Nautical shore leave granted to a sailor.
Phrase
- at liberty
- not imprisoned.
- allowed or entitled to do something.
- take liberties with
- behave in an unduly familiar manner towards.
- treat without strict faithfulness to the facts or to an original.
- take the liberty
venture to do something without first asking permission.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. liberte, from L. libertas, from liber ‘free’.
