The law of Moses pointed out the cases in which the servants of the Hebrews were to receive their freedom (Exodus 21:2-4, 7, 8; Leviticus 25:39-42, 47-55; Deuteronomy 15:12-18). Under the Roman law the "freeman" (ingenuus) was one born free; the "freedman" (libertinus) was a manumitted slave, and had not equal rights with the freeman (Acts 22:28; Comp. Acts 16:37-39; 21:39; 22:25; 25:11, 12).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence.

2. (n.) Privileges; franchises; immunities.

3. (n.) Exemption from necessity, in choice and action; as, the freedom of the will.

4. (n.) Ease; facility; as, he speaks or acts with freedom.

5. (n.) Frankness; openness; unreservedness.

6. (n.) Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum; license.

7. (n.) Generosity; liberality.