n.1 a the act of indulging. b the state of being indulgent.
2 something indulged in.
3 RC Ch. the remission of temporal punishment in purgatory, still due for sins after absolution.
4 a privilege granted.
Phrases and idioms:
Declaration of Indulgence the proclamation of religious liberties, esp. under Charles II in 1672 and James II in 1687.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L indulgentia (as INDULGENT)