Hi David
David Gerard wrote:
What does "free" mean in English? http://www.google.com/search?q=free
I am not sure it's optimal to examine a word in the English language and link to a Google search. It is not a dictionary of record. Indeed, it is not a dictionary.
I suggest the Oxford. The compact has a simple on-line definition: http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/free?view=uk
In the context of Free Software the term 'Free' refers to freedom: http://www.fsf.org/licensing/essays/free-sw.html
Regards
Shane