"license" Definition

Definitions for the word "license" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. n.
Authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act; especially, a formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating liquors.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The document granting such permission.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
Excess of liberty; freedom abused, or used in contempt of law or decorum; disregard of law or propriety.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
That deviation from strict fact, form, or rule, in which an artist or writer indulges, assuming that it will be permitted for the sake of the advantage or effect gained; as, poetic license; grammatical license, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To permit or authorize by license; to give license to; as, to license a man to preach.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
(brit. Licence) 1 official permit to own or use something, do something, or carry on a trade. 2 permission. 3 liberty of action, esp. When excessive. 4 writer''s or artist''s deliberate deviation from fact, correct grammar, etc. (poetic licence). [latin licet it is allowed]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
7. v.
(-sing) 1 grant a licence to. 2 authorize the use of (premises) for a certain purpose.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "license" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "license" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "license") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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