■ noun
1》 a special right, advantage, or immunity for a particular person.
↘a special benefit or honour.
2》 (also absolute ~ ) (especially in a parliamentary context) the right to say or write something without the risk of punishment.
3》 the right of a lawyer or official to refuse to divulge confidential information.
4》 chiefly historical a grant of special rights or immunities, especially in the form of a franchise or monopoly.
■ verb formal grant a ~ or ~s to.
↘(usu. be ~d from ) exempt from a liability or obligation.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. privilegium 'bill or law affecting an individual', from privus 'private' + lex , leg- 'law'.