Noun

The condition of being free from control or restrictions.

*{{quote-magazine, date=2014-07-05, volume=412, issue=8894, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= Freedom fighter , passage=[Edmund] Burke continued to fight for liberty later on in life. He backed Americans in their campaign for freedom from British taxation. He supported Catholic freedoms and freer trade with Ireland, in spite of his constituents’ ire. He wanted more liberal laws on the punishment of debtors.}}

The condition of being free from imprisonment, slavery or forced labour.

The condition of being free to act, believe or express oneself as one chooses.

Freedom from excessive government control.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2012-12-14, author=Simon Jenkins, authorlink=Simon Jenkins

, volume=188, issue=2, page=23, date=2012-12-21, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys , passage=The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security. Each one diminishes liberty .}}

A short period when a sailor is allowed ashore.

A breach of social convention (often liberties ).

A local government unit in medieval England – see .

Noun

(en noun)

An edict or law.

* Bible, Luke ii. 1

There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

* Shakespeare

Poor hand, why quiverest thou at this decree ?

(legal) The judicial decision in a litigated cause rendered by a court of equity.

(legal) The determination of a cause in a court of admiralty or court of probate.