free liver

A free liver enjoys a lavish feast with friends.

Definition

1. Noun (dated):
   • A person who lives freely and without restraint, especially in terms of indulging in pleasures such as eating, drinking, and social activities; a person who is not bound by strict rules or conventions.

Usage Examples

• (A person who indulges in pleasures without restraint.)
• (A character who lives freely and unconventionally.)

Advanced Usage

• "Free liver" is used historically or in literary contexts to describe someone who is self-indulgent or hedonistic.
  • In the 19th century, a free liver was often criticized by moral reformers. (A person who indulged in excesses.)

Variants and Related Words

• Free-living (adj): characterized by a lifestyle of indulgence or lack of restraint.
  • The free-living artist traveled the world, spending money as it came. (Living without financial or moral constraints.)

Synonyms

• Hedonist: a person who pursues pleasure as the primary goal of life.
• Bon vivant: a person who enjoys a sociable and luxurious lifestyle, especially regarding food and drink.
• Epicurean: a person devoted to sensual enjoyment, especially fine food and drink.

Related Idioms

• Live high on the hog: to live in a luxurious or extravagant manner.
  • After winning the lottery, they lived high on the hog, becoming known as free livers. (They indulged in luxury.)

Cultural Note

• The term "free liver" is now considered somewhat old-fashioned or literary; modern equivalents include "party animal" or "hedonist." It carries a slightly negative or judgmental connotation in formal contexts.