n.1 the state or condition of being present (your presence is requested).
2 a place where a person is (was admitted to their presence).
3 a a person's appearance or bearing, esp. when imposing (an august presence). b a person's force of personality (esp. have presence).
4 a person or thing that is present (the royal presence; there was a presence in the room).
5 representation for reasons of political influence (maintained a presence).
Phrases and idioms:
in the presence of in front of; observed by. presence chamber a room in which a monarch or other distinguished person receives visitors. presence of mind calmness and self-command in sudden difficulty etc.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L praesentia (as PRESENT(1))