DCHP-1 Online
Liberal ((n.)) 
1 n. Hist. in colonial times, a member of the faction opposing the governor and his Tory followers.
See also: Reformer (def. 1)
- 1832 We shall first notice the slanderous imputations cast upon the Liberals, that they are a discontented set of men, ever on the watch to find occasion for complaint and clamour.
- 1858 The Tories and Liberals are working lustily for the "loaves and fishes."
2 n. in modern contexts, a member or supporter of the Liberal Party (def. 2).
See also: Liberal Party (def. 2)
- 1867 They will have a working majority of clear grit Liberals, independently of a tail composed of "loose fish," "middle-men," or "independent members,"--varieties of an order of politicians of which Mr. Cornelius Howatt is the type.
- 1927 Ominously for the Force, the Liberals, as opposition in 1919, had criticized the Conservative policies, especially their handling of the strike, and consequently, the Force.
- 1963 Ken Brydon [said] that the Liberals continue to play "on again, off again Finnegan" with medicare.
- 1832 We shall first notice the slanderous imputations cast upon the Liberals, that they are a discontented set of men, ever on the watch to find occasion for complaint and clamour.