( US license )
■ noun
1》 a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcohol).
↘formal or official permission.
2》 freedom to behave without restraint.
3》 a writer's or artist's freedom to deviate from facts or accepted conventions.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. licentia 'freedom, licentiousness' (in med. L. 'authority, permission'), from licere 'be lawful or permitted'.