I . v. a.
1.
Pardon, forgive, acquit, absolve, exculpate, exonerate.
2.
Extenuate, justify, form or constitute an apology or ~ for.
3.
Exempt, release, free, let off.
4.
Overlook, regard indulgently, treat as venial.
5.
[With self .] Clear, vindicate, exculpate, exonerate, make defence or apology for, set right.
II . n.
1.
Apology, plea, justification, absolution.
2.
Pretext, pretence, color, guise, disguise, semblance, makeshift, subterfuge, evasion, false show.