excude - {v. phr.} 1. To think of reasons for not being to blame; think yourself not at fault. * /John excused himself for his low grades on the ground that the teacher didn't like him./ 2. To ask to be excused after doing something impolite. * /John excused himself for his tardiness, saying his watch was wrong./ 3. To ask permission to leave a group or place. * /The committee meeting lasted so long that Mr. Wilkins excused himself to keep an appointment./ * /John had to go to the dentist's, so he excused himself and left the classroom./

excude - v.tr.
formal 1 free from blame.
2 (foll. by from) clear (a person) of a charge.

exculpation n. exculpatory adj. [med.L exculpare exculpat- (as EX-(1), culpa blame)]

excude - n.
1 a short journey or ramble for pleasure, with return to the starting-point.
2 a digression.
3 Astron. a deviation from a regular path.
4 archaic a sortie (see ALARUM ).

excursional adj. excursionary adj. excursionist n. [L excursio f. excurrere excurs- (as EX-(1), currere run)]

excude - adj.
digressive; diverse.

excursively adv. excursiveness n.

excude - n.
1 a detailed discussion of a special point in a book, usu. in an appendix.
2 a digression in a narrative. [L, verbal noun formed as EXCURSION]

excude - v. & n.
--v.

tr.
1 attempt to lessen the blame attaching to (a person, act, or fault).
2 (of a fact or circumstance) serve in mitigation of (a person or act).
3 obtain exemption for (a person or oneself).
4 (foll. by from) release (a person) from a duty etc. (excused from supervision duties).
5 overlook or forgive (a fault or offence).
6 (foll. by for) forgive (a person) for a fault.
7 not insist upon (what is due).
8 refl. apologize for leaving.

--n.

1 a reason put forward to mitigate or justify an offence, fault, etc.
2 an apology (made my excuses).
3 (foll. by for) a poor or inadequate example of.

be excused be allowed to leave a room etc., e.g. to go to the lavatory. excuse me a polite apology for lack of ceremony, for an interruption etc., or for disagreeing. excuse-me a dance in which dancers may interrupt other pairs to change partners.

excusable adj. excusably adv. excusatory adj. [ME f. OF escuser f. L excusare (as EX-(1), causa CAUSE, accusation)]