n.
1.a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
2.a note explaining an absence
3.a poor example excuse v.
1.accept an excuse for
2.grant exemption or release to
3.serve as a reason or cause or justification of
4.defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
5.ask for permission to be released from an engagement
6.excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
Idiom of the Day
under one's breath
in a whisper, with a low voice
The man was talking under his breath in the movie theater and somebody complained.