See Also: tax-free(dictionary)
free(dictionary)
free-to-air(dictionary)
free will(medicine)
free-for-all(dictionary)
free will(dictionary)
FREE(law)
Free(medicine)
fat-free(dictionary)
Free box(finance)

free(3) (iou)



free verb trans. [fri:] Pa. t. & pple freed.

Make free (from, of); set at liberty; release or deliver from bondage or constraint. OE.
C. Kingsley Then he freed one of these four men. B. Jowett A philosophy which could free the mind from the power of abstractions.
Relieve or deliver from, rid or ease of (a burden, obligation, inconvenience); exempt from (payment, tribute), confer immunity on. Formerly also, exempt (a church or similar foundation) from feudal services or exactions. OE.
D. Hume He freed their subjects from all oaths of allegiance. J. R. Green The towns had long since freed themselves from all payment of the dues..exacted by the King.
b. Clear from blame or stain; show or declare to be guiltless; absolve, acquit. Long obsolete exc. Scot. L16.
Bible (AV): Romans 6:7 He that is dead, is freed from sinne.
c. Relieve or rid of the presence of a person. Foll. by from, of. L16.
H. Martineau The gentleman soon chose to free the family of his presence.
d. Grant immunity from the operation of a thing; make safe and secure from. E-M17.
D. Pell There are but few Trees..that are free'd from the Thunder, save the Lawrel.
Remove so as to leave the place clear, banish, get rid of. L16-M17.
S. Daniel Free thine owne torment, and my griefe release.
Leap or get clear over (a ditch or other obstacle). L16-L18.
Clear, disengage, or disentangle (a thing) from some obstruction or encumbrance; get (oneself) loose, extricate. Formerly also, open so as to allow free passage. E17.
Dryden Nor cou'd their tainted Flesh with Ocean Tides Be freed from Filth. fig.: C. M. Yonge Having freed himself from his difficulties.
b. Nautical. Bail out water from (a ship). E17.
Mining. Register (a new mine, vein, etc.) by making the customary payment. E17.
Frank (a letter). L18-E19.
S. Johnson Please to free this letter to Miss L. Porter.
freer noun a person or agent who frees or sets free someone or something E17.