"a name adopted by sceptics to express the liberty which they claim and exercise, to think (or doubt) as they please upon all subjects, especially those connected with religion. The term originated in the 18th century, though free-thinking had earlier appeared in England. In 1718, a weekly paper, entitled The Free-thinker, was published; and in France and Germany a corresponding spirit extensively prevailed." — Eden, Churchman's Dict. s.v. (See INFIDELITY).