/euh pol"euh jee/ , n. , pl. apologies .
1. a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another: He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.
2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.
3. ( cap., italics ) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.
4. an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift: The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.
[ 1400-50; earlier apologie, late ME apologe ( apologia ]
Syn. 2. vindication. See excuse .