1. Décharge. Fournir une excuse.
2. Prétexte. Une excuse pour s'absenter.
3. (Au pluriel) Regret. Faire des excuses.
ETYM Latin apologia, Greek; apo from + logos speech: cf. French apologie. Related to Apologetic.
1. A formal written defense of something one believes in strongly; SYN. apologia.
2. A poor example.
3. An expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone.
ETYM Cf. French excuse. Related to Excuse.
A defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; SYN. alibi, self-justification.
ETYM French prétexte, Latin praetextum, from praetextus, p. p. of praetexere to weave before, allege as an excuse; prae before + texere to weave. Related to Text.
Something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason; SYN. stalking-horse.