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. Declaration of Indulgence the proclamation of religious liberties, esp. under Charles II in 1672 and James II in 1687.
[ ME f. OF f. L indulgentia (as INDULGENT) ]