This is from the Free Software Foundation which is the originator of the
term. It is irrelevant what the dictionary states as RMS defines what "free
software" is.
http://www.fsf.org/
'Free software is a matter of liberty not price. You should think of "free"
as in "free speech".'
Additionally:
http://www.fsf.org/licensing/essays/free-sw.html
Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy, distribute,
study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it refers to four
kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:
* The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
* The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs
(freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
* The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
(freedom 2).
* The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to
the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the
source code is a precondition for this.
A program is free software if users have all of these freedoms. Thus, you
should be free to redistribute copies, either with or without
modifications, either gratis or charging a fee for distribution, to anyone
anywhere. Being free to do these things means (among other things) that you
do not have to ask or pay for permission.
--
Jerry Feldman