̘. ̈n.ɪksˈkju:s v. & n. --v.tr. 1
attempt to
lessen the blame attaching to (a
person,
act, or fault). 2 (of a
fact or circumstance)
serve in mitigation of (a person or act). 3
obtain exemption
for (a person or oneself). 4 (foll. by from)
release (a person)
from a
duty etc. (excused from supervision duties). 5
overlook or
forgive (a
fault or offence). 6 (foll. by for) forgive (a person) for a fault. 7
not insist upon (what is due). 8 refl.
apologize for leaving. --n. 1 a
reason put
forward to
mitigate or
justify an
offence, fault, etc. 2 an
apology (made my excuses). 3 (foll. by for) a
poor or
inadequate example of. øbe excused be allowed to leave a
room etc., e.g. to go to the
lavatory. excuse me a
polite apology for
lack of
ceremony, for an interruption etc., or for disagreeing. excuse-me a
dance in
which dancers
may interrupt other pairs to
change partners. øøexcusable adj. excusably adv. excusatory adj. [ME f. OF escuser f. L excusare (as
EX-(1), causa
CAUSE, accusation)]
