I. ˈa-lə-ˌbī noun
Etymology: Latin, elsewhere, from alius
Date: 1743
1. : the plea of having been at the time of the commission of an act elsewhere than at the place of commission ; also : the fact or state of having been elsewhere at the time
2. : an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment (as for failure or negligence)
Synonyms: see apology
II. verb
( -bied ; -bi·ing )
Date: 1909
transitive verb
: to exonerate by an alibi : furnish an excuse for
intransitive verb
: to offer an excuse