a. [ Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. indépendant. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. [ 1913 Webster ]
A dry, but independent crust. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective. [ 1913 Webster ]
That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement. R. P. Ward. [ 1913 Webster ]
6. (Eccl.) Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents. [ 1913 Webster ]
7. (Math.) Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions. [ 1913 Webster ]
8. (U. S. Politics) Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party. [ 1913 Webster ]
Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment. --
Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second. --
Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.
Syn. -- Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted. [ 1913 Webster ]