Excuse - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition excuse

excuse

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ex·cused
ex·cus·ing
vt
1 : to grant exemption or release to [excused the prospective juror] [excused the witness after an hour of testimony]
2 : justify
vi
: to serve as an excuse or justification [exigent circumstances may "J. J. White and R. S. Summers"]
[ik-skyüs] n 1 : excusal
2 a : a circumstance that allows for release under the law from an obligation, duty, or contractual liability compare act of god, force majeure, fortuitous event, impossibility of performance
b : a circumstance (as a physical threat) that grants immunity for otherwise tortious or criminal conduct compare justification, privilege