liberalism
nounThe state or quality of being liberal.
nounA political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.
nounThe tenets or policies of a Liberal party.
nounAn economic theory in favor of laissez-faire, the free market, and the gold standard.
nounA 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.
nounA 19th-century Roman Catholic movement that favored political democracy and ecclesiastical reform but was theologically orthodox.
nounLiberal principles; the principles or practice of liberals; freedom from narrowness or bigotry, especially in matters of religion or politics.
nounSpecifically, the political principles of a Liberal party.
