Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - lieu

1. If you do, get, or give one thing in lieu of another, you do, get, or give it instead of the other thing, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. (FORMAL) He left what little furniture he owned to his landlord in lieu of rent. PREP-PHRASE 2. If you do, get, or give something in lieu, you do, get, or give it instead of something else, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance. (mainly BRIT FORMAL) ...an increased salary or time off in lieu. PHRASE