ETYM Prob. from Dutch verlof, from a prefix akin to Eng. for + the root of Eng. lief, and akin to Dan. forlov, Swed. förlof, German verlaub permission. Related to Life.
A temporary leave of absence from military duty. Leave, vacation.
1. Repos.
2. Vacances. Jours de congé.
3. (Droit) Résiliation. Donner congé.
To dismiss, usually for economic reasons; SYN. lay off.