In`de*pend"ent (?), a. [Pref. in-
not + dependent: cf. F. indépendant.]
1. Not dependent; free; not subject to
control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few
men are wholly independent.
A dry, but independent crust.
Cowper.
2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an
independent property.
3. Not subject to bias or influence; not
obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent
mind.
4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of
independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an
independent air or manner.
5. Separate from; exclusive;
irrespective.
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.
6. (Eccl.) Belonging or pertaining to,
or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the
Independents.
7. (Math.) Not dependent upon another
quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of
quantities or functions.
8. (U. S. Politics) Not bound by
party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any
party.
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.
In`de*pend"ent (?), n.
1. (Eccl.) One who believes that an
organized Christian church is complete in itself, competent to self-
government, and independent of all ecclesiastical
authority.
&fist; In England the name is often applied (commonly in the
pl.) to the Congregationalists.
2. (Politics) One who does not
acknowledge an obligation to support a party's candidate under all
circumstances; one who exercises liberty in voting.
