I. ˈlēzhə(r) also ˈlezh- sometimes ˈlāzh- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English leiser, leisere, laiser, from Old French leisir, from leisir, v., to be permitted, from Latin licēre — more at license
1.
a. : freedom or spare time provided by the cessation of activities: as
(1) : free time as a result of temporary exemption from work or duties
did not know how to occupy his leisure
worked harder, for their leisure was doubled and they arrived fresh at the factory — Eric Keown
leisure has been gained by a vast number of people who until recently had been merely beasts of burden — H.W.Van Loon
(2) : time at one's command that is free of engagements or responsibilities
increase of leisure , diminution of hustle are the ends to be sought — Bertrand Russell
b. : a period of unemployed time — often used in plural
possessed sufficient literary quality to tempt my rare leisures — H.J.Kaplan
2.
a. : apparent effortlessness : ease , leisureliness
its distinction and its charm lie in the leisure and grace of its style — Sara H. Hay
b. obsolete : calm deliberation : judicious care
much leisure and accurateness were used in filling the tube — Henry Power
3.
a. : opportunity provided by free time
the settlers … had neither leisure nor impulse for a conscious art — American Guide Series: Minnesota
the intellect should have leisure to refresh itself at the fountainhead — S.M.Crothers
b. : the duration of such opportunity : time left
the authority of the government … for whose sanction there was no leisure to wait — James Mill
Synonyms: see rest
•
- at leisure
- by leisure
II. adjective
1. : unoccupied , unemployed , leisured
now he writes in his leisure hours — W.J.Reilly
something that sounds like an enchanted picture, a picture of life as it ought to be for the leisure classes — J.J.Chapman
2. of clothing : suitable for leisure and informal occasions : casual