[lib-er-uh
l, lib-ruhl] 
| 1. | favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. |
| 2. | (often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform. |
| 3. | of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism. |
| 4. | favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties. |
| 5. | favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers. |
| 6. | of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies. |
| 7. | free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners. |
| 8. | open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc. |
| 9. | characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor. |
| 10. | given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation. |
| 11. | not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule. |
| 12. | of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts. |
| 13. | of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman. |
| 14. | a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in politics or religion. |
| 15. | (often initial capital letter) a member of a liberal party in politics, esp. of the Liberal party in Great Britain. |
[lib-er-uhl, lib-ruhl] | a city in SW Kansas. 14,911. |
| lib·er·al (lĭb'ər-əl, lĭb'rəl) adj.
[Middle English, generous, from Old French, from Latin līberālis, from līber, free; see leudh- in Indo-European roots.] lib'er·al·ly adv., lib'er·al·ness n. Synonyms: These adjectives mean willing or marked by a willingness to give unstintingly: a liberal backer of the arts; a bounteous feast; bountiful compliments; a freehanded host; a generous donation; a handsome offer; a munificent gift; fond and openhanded grandparents. See Also Synonyms at broad-minded. |
Liberal
city, seat (1892) of Seward county, southwestern Kansas, U.S. It lies near the Oklahoma border just north of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Founded in 1888, it was so-named because a local landowner, L.E. Keefes, was "liberal" in allowing the use of his well in time of drought. The community developed around a railroad terminus serving cattle ranchers. During World War II, Liberal Army Air Field, now the city's municipal airport, served as a training centre for bomber pilots; some 100 vintage aircraft are on display at the city's Mid-American Air Museum. The city now serves as a trading centre for a grain and livestock area. Located at the eastern edge of the Hugoton natural-gas field, Liberal relies on natural-gas and oil extraction, petroleum refining, and meatpacking. Gas-pumping plants are in the area. Liberal is the seat of Seward County Community College (1969). The Dalton Gang Hideout and Museum is located in Meade, some 40 miles (65 km) northeast (see Dalton brothers). Inc. 1888. Pop. (1990) 16,573; (2000) 19,666.
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