ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: lee (I) + way
1.
a. : off-course lateral movement of a ship when under way caused by wind or current
b. : drift angle 2
2. : the measure of discrepancy between fact and standard : degree of deviation from a criterion or goal : margin of shortcoming in performance
men had to catch up on a dreadful leeway of ignorance — A.T.Quiller-Couch
3.
a. : allowable variation : tolerance
there can be little leeway in the size of the explosive charge — Science Year Book
b. : degree of freedom of action or permitted discretion : room for choice
a professor of English … can generally enjoy more intellectual leeway than a professor of sociology — Irving Howe
c. : margin of safety
an hour's leeway to catch the plane
maintains a capital reserve to provide financial leeway
Synonyms: see room