More on the term "liberal"

Via digby at Hullabaloo, the World's Shortest Political Quiz, which does live up to its name, gives me this for a self-definition:

LIBERALS usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net" to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles.

How did this ever become a term of disparagement?