ETYM Old Eng. leve, leave, as. leáf; akin to leóf pleasing, dear, Eng. lief, Dutch oorlof leave, German arlaub, and erlauben to permit, Icel. leyfi. Related to Lief.
1. Permission to do something.
2. The period of time during which one is absent from work or duty; SYN. leave of absence.