liberty pole

noun

Also called liberty tree. American History. a pole or tree, often with a liberty cap or a banner at the top, usually located on a village green or in a market square, used by the Sons of Liberty in many colonial towns as a symbol of protest against British rule and around which anti-British rallies were held.
a tall flagpole, traditionally with a liberty cap at the top, serving as a symbol of liberty.

First recorded in 1760–70

They sailed away, leaving their flag still floating from the top of the liberty pole.

Then they destroyed a quantity of flour, cut down the liberty-pole, and set fire to the courthouse.

At this place there is a liberty pole set up by some of the brethren.

Against Fayette two bills were found; one for misdemeanor in raising the liberty pole in Uniontown.

This was the first Liberty pole planted in that state—the first meeting that was held on that subject.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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