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.
Phrases and idioms:
be 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.
Derivatives:
excusable adj. excusably adv. excusatory adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF escuser f. L excusare (as EX-(1), causa CAUSE, accusation)