Defn: One who speculates or forms opinions independently of the authority of others; esp., in the sphere or religion, one who forms opinions independently of the authority of revelation or of the church; an unbeliever; — a term assumed by deists and skeptics in the eighteenth century. Atheist is an old-fashioned word: I'm a freethinker, child. Addison.
Syn.
— Infidel; skeptic; unbeliever. See Infidel.
FREETHINKING
Free"think`ing, n.
Defn: Undue boldness of speculation; unbelief. Berkeley.
— a.
Defn: Exhibiting undue boldness of speculation; skeptical.
FREE-TONGUED
Free"-tongued`, a.
Defn: Speaking without reserve. Bp. Hall.
FREEWHEEL
Free"wheel`, n. (Mach.)
Defn: A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped or rotated backwards. Freewheelcycles are usually fitted with hub brakes or rim brakes, operated by back pedaling.
FREEWHEEL
Free"wheel`, v. i.