liberty pole
- Also called liberty tree. American History. a pole or tree, often with a liberty cap or a banner at the top, usually located on a village green or in a market square, used by the Sons of Liberty in many colonial towns as a symbol of protest against British rule and around which anti-British rallies were held.
- a tall flagpole, traditionally with a liberty cap at the top, serving as a symbol of liberty.
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Origin of liberty pole
First recorded in 1760–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for liberty pole
Historical Examples
The priest was going for a sign to cut down the liberty-pole.
The Maine WoodsHenry David Thoreau
"You might inlist as a liberty-pole," said I, in a silvery whisper.
The Complete Works of Artemus WardCharles Farrar Browne (AKA Artemus Ward)
Then they destroyed a quantity of flour, cut down the liberty-pole, and set fire to the courthouse.
The Story of American HistoryAlbert F. Blaisdell
No liberty-pole is erected or erecting here; but the people seem much more spirited than they did before the alarm.
Nathan HaleJean Christie Root
Captain Minot, with the alarm company, remained in town, and took possession of the hill near the liberty-pole.