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That which has the power, or not the power, to operate, is that alone which is or is not free. Locke.

In the fullest sense, the conversion of bullion (of any specified metal) into legal-tender coins for any person who chooses to bring it to the mint; in a modified sense, such coinage when done at a fixed charge proportionate to the cost of the operation.

The free coinage of silver; often, specif., the free coinage of silver at a fixed ratio with gold, as at the ratio of 16 to 1, which ratio for some time represented nearly or exactly the ratio of the market values of gold and silver respectively.

A will free from improper coercion or restraint. To come thus was I not constrained, but did On my free will. Shak.

To make free. [R.]

Done by the hand, without support, or the guidance of instruments; as, free-hand drawing. See under Drawing.

Open-handed; liberal.

Open; frank; unreserved; liberal; generous; as, free-hearted mirth. -- Free"-heart`ed*ly, adv. -- Free"-heart`ed*ness, n.

One who gratifies his appetites without stint; one given to indulgence in eating and drinking.

Unrestrained indulgence of the appetites.

The doctrine or practice of consorting with the opposite sex, at pleasure, without marriage.

One who believes in or practices free-love.

An imperfect female calf, twinborn with a male.

Yielding free gold or silver; -- said of certain ores which can be reduced by crushing and amalgamation, without roasting or other chemical treatment. Raymond.

Not perplexed; having a mind free from care. Bacon.

avery; -- esp. applied to a party which was active during the period 1846-1856. [U.S.] -- Free"soil`er, n. [U.S.] -- Free"-soil`ism, n. [U.S.]

Accustomed to speak without reserve. Bacon. -- Free"-spo`ken-ness, n.

Swimming in the open sea; -- said of certain marine animals.

Speaking without reserve. Bp. Hall.

One who plunders or pillages without the authority of national warfare; a member of a predatory band; a pillager; a buccaneer; a sea robber. Bacon.