— privileger , n.
/priv"euh lij, priv"lij/ , n. , v. , privileged, privileging .
n.
1. a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most: the privileges of the very rich.
2. a special right, immunity, or exemption granted to persons in authority or office to free them from certain obligations or liabilities: the privilege of a senator to speak in Congress without danger of a libel suit.
3. a grant to an individual, corporation, etc., of a special right or immunity, under certain conditions.
4. the principle or condition of enjoying special rights or immunities.
5. any of the rights common to all citizens under a modern constitutional government: We enjoy the privileges of a free people.
6. an advantage or source of pleasure granted to a person: It's my privilege to be here.
7. Stock Exchange. an option to buy or sell stock at a stipulated price for a limited period of time, including puts, calls, spreads, and straddles.
v.t.
8. to grant a privilege to.
9. to exempt (usually fol. by from ).
10. to authorize or license (something otherwise forbidden).
[ 1125-75; (n.) ME; earlier privilegie ( privilege ) privilegium orig., a law for or against an individual, equiv. to privi- (comb. form of privus one's own) + leg- (see LEGAL) + -ium -IUM; (v.) ME privilegen ( privilegier ) privilegiare, deriv. of privilegium ]
Syn. 1. PRIVILEGE, PREROGATIVE refer to a special advantage or right possessed by an individual or group. A PRIVILEGE is a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession. It can have either legal or personal sanction: the privilege of paying half fare; the privilege of calling whenever one wishes. PREROGATIVE refers to an exclusive right claimed and granted, often officially or legally, on the basis of social status, heritage, sex, etc.: the prerogatives of a king; the prerogatives of management. 4. license, freedom, liberty.