GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Liable , a. [From F. lier to bind, L. ligare. Cf. Ally, v. t., Ligature.]
    Bound or obliged in law or equity; responsible; answerable; as, the surety is liable for the debt of his principal.
   1913 Webster
   Exposed to a certain contingency or casualty, more or less probable; -- with to and an infinitive or noun; as, liable to slip; liable to accident.
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- Accountable; responsible; answerable; bound; subject; obnoxious; exposed.  -- Liable, Subject. Liable refers to a future possible or probable happening which may not actually occur; as, horses are liable to slip; even the sagacious are liable to make mistakes. Subject refers to any actual state or condition belonging to the nature or circumstances of the person or thing spoken of, or to that which often befalls one. One whose father was subject to attacks of the gout is himself liable to have that disease. Men are constantly subject to the law, but liable to suffer by its infraction.
   1913 Webster
   Proudly secure, yet liable to fall.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   All human things are subject to decay.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster