in a general sense, something that stands free or independent.

ABSOLUTE is more particularly understood of a being or thing which does not proceed from any cause, or does not subsist by virtue of any other being, considered as its cause; in which sense, God alone is absolute. Absolute, in this sense, is synonymous with independent, and stands opposed to dependent.

ABSOLUTE also denotes a thing that is free from conditions or limitations; in which sense, the word is synonymous with unconditional. We say, an absolute decree, absolute promise, absolute obedience.

ABSOLUTE Government, that in which the prince is left solely to his own will, being not limited to the observance of any laws except those of his own discretion.