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.
Phrases and idioms:
licensed victualler see VICTUALLER.
Derivatives:
licensable adj. licenser n. licensor n.
Etymology: ME f. LICENCE: -se on analogy of the verbs PRACTISE, PROPHESY, perh. after ADVISE, where the sound differs from the corresp. noun