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   licence

   /ˈlʌɪsns/

   noun

   • 1. a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic drink): "a gun licence" Similar permitcertificatedocumentdocumentationauthorizationwarrantvoucherdiplomaimprimaturcertificationcredentialspasspapers
   • ▪ formal or official permission to do something: "a subsidiary company manufactured cranes under licence from a Norwegian firm" Similar franchisepermissionconsentsanctionwarrantwarrantycharterseal of approval
   • 2. freedom to behave as one wishes, especially in a way which results in excessive or unacceptable behaviour: "the government was criticized for giving the army too much licence" Similar permissionauthoritydiscretionrighta free handleaveconsentauthorizationsanctionapprovalassententitlementprivilegeprerogativeblessingexemptionmandatelibertyfreedompowerempowermentdispensationcarte blancheinformal:a blank chequerare:warrantyfreedomlibertyfree reinlatitudechoiceoptionindependenceself-determinationscopeimpunitymarginleisurecarte blancheOpposite restriction
   • ▪ a writer's or artist's freedom to deviate from fact, or from conventions such as grammar, for effect: "artistic licence" Similar disregard for the factsdeviation from the truthdeparture from the truthinventivenessinventioncreativityimaginationfancyfancifulnessresourcefulnessingenuityinspirationfreedomlooseness
   • ▪ licentiousness. Similar licentiousnessdissolutenessdissipationdebaucheryimmoralityimproprietydecadenceprofligacyimmoderationintemperatenessindulgenceself-indulgenceexcessexcessivenesslack of restraintlack of controlirresponsibilityabandonlaxnesslaxitydisorderdisorderlinessunrulinesslawlessnessanarchyOpposite restraintdecorum
   • ▪ a reason or excuse to do something unacceptable: "you do not have a licence to break traffic laws"

   Word Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin licentia ‘freedom, licentiousness’ (in medieval Latin ‘authority, permission’), from licere ‘be lawful or permitted’.

   Scrabble Points: 11

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