licence

li-cence · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (British spelling) An official document giving someone permission to own, use, or do something.

  2. 2.

    Permission or freedom to do something, especially something that would otherwise not be allowed.

  3. 3.

    Excessive freedom of behavior; lack of restraint.

Forms

plural: licences

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    driving licence — (British) an official document permitting someone to drive
  • •
    poetic licence — deviation from conventional rules for artistic effect
  • •
    licence to kill — permission to use lethal force
  • •
    under licence — with official permission from the owner

Related words

Antonyms: ban, prohibition
See also: authorization, certificate, license, permit
Synonyms: authorization, certificate, permission, permit

Etymology

From Old French licence, from Latin licentia ("freedom, liberty, license"), from licere ("to be allowed").