v.tr. (also licence) 1 grant a licence to (a person). 2 authorize the use of (premises) for a certain purpose, esp. the sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor. 3 authorize the publication of (a book etc.) or the performance of (a play). 4 archaic allow. licensed victualler see VICTUALLER. licensable adj. licenser n. licensor n.
[ ME f. LICENCE: -se on analogy of the verbs PRACTISE, PROPHESY, perh. after ADVISE, where the sound differs from the corresp. noun ]