license

li·cense

L0152300 (lī′səns)n.1. a. Official or legal permission to engage in a regulated activity: "He believed that the subcommittee gave him license to interrogate anyone about any possible links to communism" (Donald A. Ritchie). See Synonyms at permission.b. A document, card, plate, or tag that is issued as proof of official or legal permission: a driver's license.c. A contract allowing someone to use a proprietary product or service: has a site license for that software.2. a. Freedom of action or permission to act: "Doctors labeled many of the organs of the immune system 'functionless' ... giving surgeons license to remove them with abandon" (Andrew Weil).b. Poetic license.3. a. Lack of due restraint; excessive freedom: "It is important to preserve freedom only for people who are willing to practice self-denial, for otherwise freedom degenerates into license and irresponsibility" (Milton Friedman).b. Heedlessness for the precepts of proper behavior, especially with regard to sex: "noir stories of the consequences of sexual license" (Foster Hirsch).c. An excuse or justification to do something wrong: people who see low-fat labels as a license to eat larger amounts.tr.v. li·censed, li·cens·ing, li·cens·es 1. To give or yield permission to or for: "Deep down I wondered what licensed me to speak" (Jan Clausen).2. To grant a license to or for; authorize. See Synonyms at authorize.

[Middle English licence, from Old French, from Medieval Latin licentia, authorization, from Latin, freedom, from licēns, licent-, present participle of licēre, to be permitted.]

li′cens·a·ble adj.li′cens·er, li′cen·sor′ (-sən-sôr′) n.

license

(ˈlaɪsəns) vb (tr) 1. (Law) to grant or give a licence for (something, such as the sale of alcohol)2. (Law) to give permission to or for ˈlicensable adj ˈlicenser, ˈlicensor n

li•cense

(ˈlaɪ səns)

n., v. -censed, -cens•ing. n. 1. formal permission from a governmental or other constituted authority to do something, as to carry on some business or profession. 2. a certificate, tag, plate, etc., giving proof of such permission; official permit: a driver's license. 3. permission to do or not to do something. 4. intentional deviation from rule, convention, or fact, as for the sake of literary or artistic effect: poetic license. 5. exceptional freedom allowed in a special situation. 6. excessive or undue freedom or liberty. 7. licentiousness. 8. the legal right to use a patent owned by another. v.t. 9. to issue or grant a license to. 10. to give permission to; authorize. [1325–75; Middle English licence < Middle French < Medieval Latin licentia authorization, Latin: freedom =licent-, s. of licēns, present participle of licēre to be allowed + -ia -ia] li′cens•a•ble, adj. li′cens•er; esp. Law, li•cen•sor (ˈlaɪ sən sər, ˌlaɪ sənˈsɔr) n.

licence

license1. 'licence'

In British English, a licence is an official document which gives you permission to do, use, or own something.

I haven't got a television licence.Keep your driving licence on you.2. 'license' used as a noun

In American English, this word is spelled license.

A photo identification, such as a driver's license, is required.3. 'license' used as a verb

In both British and American English, if you are licensed to do something, you have official permission to do it.

These men are licensed to carry firearms.

license

Past participle: licensed
Gerund: licensing

Imperative
license
license

Present
I license
you license
he/she/it licenses
we license
you license
they license

Preterite
I licensed
you licensed
he/she/it licensed
we licensed
you licensed
they licensed

Present Continuous
I am licensing
you are licensing
he/she/it is licensing
we are licensing
you are licensing
they are licensing

Present Perfect
I have licensed
you have licensed
he/she/it has licensed
we have licensed
you have licensed
they have licensed

Past Continuous
I was licensing
you were licensing
he/she/it was licensing
we were licensing
you were licensing
they were licensing

Past Perfect
I had licensed
you had licensed
he/she/it had licensed
we had licensed
you had licensed
they had licensed

Future
I will license
you will license
he/she/it will license
we will license
you will license
they will license

Future Perfect
I will have licensed
you will have licensed
he/she/it will have licensed
we will have licensed
you will have licensed
they will have licensed

Future Continuous
I will be licensing
you will be licensing
he/she/it will be licensing
we will be licensing
you will be licensing
they will be licensing

Present Perfect Continuous
I have been licensing
you have been licensing
he/she/it has been licensing
we have been licensing
you have been licensing
they have been licensing

Future Perfect Continuous
I will have been licensing
you will have been licensing
he/she/it will have been licensing
we will have been licensing
you will have been licensing
they will have been licensing

Past Perfect Continuous
I had been licensing
you had been licensing
he/she/it had been licensing
we had been licensing
you had been licensing
they had been licensing

Conditional
I would license
you would license
he/she/it would license
we would license
you would license
they would license

Past Conditional
I would have licensed
you would have licensed
he/she/it would have licensed
we would have licensed
you would have licensed
they would have licensed

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	license - a legal document giving official permission to do somethingpermit, licencelegal document, legal instrument, official document, instrument - (law) a document that states some contractual relationship or grants some rightbuilding permit - a document authorizing the holder to construct a building of a particular kind on a particular lotdriver's licence, driver's license, driving licence, driving license - a license authorizing the bearer to drive a motor vehiclefishing licence, fishing license, fishing permit - a license authorizing the bearer to fish during a specified period of timegame license, hunting licence, hunting license, hunting permit - a license authorizing the bearer to kill a certain type of animal during a specified period of timelearner's permit - a document authorizing the bearer to learn to drive an automobileletter of mark and reprisal, letter of marque, letters of marque - a license to a private citizen to seize property of another nationliquor licence, liquor license - a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beveragesmarriage licence, marriage license, wedding licence, wedding license - a license authorizing two people to marryoccupation licence, occupation license - a license to pursue a particular occupationliberty chit, pass - a permit to enter or leave a military installation; "he had to show his pass in order to get out"law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"
	2.	license - freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)licenceliberty - freedom of choice; "liberty of opinion"; "liberty of worship"; "liberty--perfect liberty--to think or feel or do just as one pleases"; "at liberty to choose whatever occupation one wishes"poetic license - license used by a writer or artist to heighten the effect of their work
	3.	license - excessive freedom; lack of due restraint; "when liberty becomes license dictatorship is near"- Will Durant; "the intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum"- Edmund Burkelicenceliberty - freedom of choice; "liberty of opinion"; "liberty of worship"; "liberty--perfect liberty--to think or feel or do just as one pleases"; "at liberty to choose whatever occupation one wishes"
	4.	license - the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorizationpermission, permitempowerment, authorisation, authorization - the act of conferring legality or sanction or formal warrantclearance - permission to proceed; "the plane was given clearance to land"conge, congee - formal permission to depart; "he gave me his conge"allowance - the act of allowing; "He objected to the allowance of smoking in the dining room"dispensation - an exemption from some rule or obligationtoleration - official recognition of the right of individuals to hold dissenting opinions (especially in religion)
Verb	1.	license - authorize officially; "I am licensed to practice law in this state"licence, certifyauthorize, authorise, clear, pass - grant authorization or clearance for; "Clear the manuscript for publication"; "The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography"franchise - grant a franchise tocharter - grant a charter toaccredit, recognise, recognize - grant credentials to; "The Regents officially recognized the new educational institution"; "recognize an academic degree"

license

verb permit, commission, enable, sanction, allow, entitle, warrant, authorize, empower, certify, accredit, give a blank cheque to the council can license a U.S. company to produce the drug
ban, forbid, prohibit, rule out, veto, outlaw, disallow, proscribe, debar, criminalize

license

noun1. The approving of an action, especially when done by one in authority:allowance, approbation, approval, authorization, consent, endorsement, leave, permission, permit, sanction.Informal: OK.2. Proof of legal permission to do something:permit, warrant.Idiom: piece of paper.3. Departure from normal rules or procedures:freedom, liberty.4. Excessive freedom; lack of restraint:dissoluteness, dissolution, libertinism, licentiousness, profligacy.verbTo give authority to:accredit, authorize, commission, empower, enable, entitle, qualify.

Translations

准许执照

licence

(American) license (ˈlaisəns) noun a (printed) form giving permission to do something (eg to keep a television set etc, drive a car, sell alcohol etc). a driving licence.许可证ˈlicense verb to give a licence to or permit. He is licensed to sell alcohol.准许ˈlicensed adjective (of a shop, hotel etc) legally allowed to sell alcohol to customers. a licensed grocer.得到许可的licenˈsee noun a person to whom a licence (especially to keep a licensed hotel or public house) has been given. 领有许可证者

licence is a noun: a licence (not license) to sell alcohol.
license is a verb: licensed (not licenced) to drive a goods vehicle.

license

→ 执照zhCN

Here is my driver's license (US)
Here is my driving licence (UK) → 这是我的驾照
My driver's license number is ... (US)
My driving licence number is ... (UK) → 我的驾照号码是...
License plate number ... (US)
Registration number ... (UK) → 车牌号是....
Do you need a fishing license? (US)
Do you need a fishing permit? (UK) → 需要钓鱼许可证吗？

License

The permission granted by competent authority to exercise a certain privilege that, without such authorization, would constitute an illegal act, a Trespass or a tort. The certificate or the document itself that confers permission to engage in otherwise proscribed conduct.

A license is different from a permit. The terms license and permit are often used interchangeably, but generally, a permit describes a more temporary form of permission. For example, if a homeowner seeks to make structural additions to her property, she may have to apply for permits from local land-use and Zoning boards. These permits expire on a certain date or when the work is finished. By contrast, the contractor who completes the work will likely hold a local license that allows her to operate her business for a certain number of years.

Licenses are an important and ubiquitous feature of contemporary society. Federal, state, and local governments rely on licensing to control a broad range of human activity, from commercial and professional to dangerous and environmental. Licenses may also be issued by private parties and by patent or Copyright holders.

Government Licenses

The great many activities that require a license issued by a government authority include fishing; hunting; marrying; driving a motor vehicle; providing health care services; practicing law; manufacturing; engaging in retail and wholesale commerce; operating a private business, trade, or technical school; providing commercial services such as those offered by whitewater rafting outfitters and travel agencies; providing public services such as food and environmental inspection; and operating public pinball machines.

Not all persons engaged in a licensed activity need to obtain a license. For example, the owner of a liquor store must obtain a license to operate it, but the cashiers and stock persons need not obtain a license to work there. By contrast, not only does a dentist have to obtain a license to conduct business in a dental office, but dental hygienists and other dental assistants must each have a license to work in the office.

A license gives a person or organization permission to engage in a particular activity. If the government requires a license for an activity, it may issue criminal charges if a person engages in the activity without obtaining a license. Most licenses expire after a certain period of time, and most may be renewed. Failure to abide by certain laws and regulations can result in suspension or revocation of a license. Acquiring a license through Fraud or Misrepresentation will result in revocation of the license.

Licenses are issued by the administrative agencies of local, state, and federal lawmaking bodies. Administrative agencies are established by legislative bodies to regulate specific government activities and concerns. For example, the U.S. Congress and state legislatures have each created an agency that exercises authority over environmental issues. This agency usually is called a department of environmental protection or of conservation. It is responsible for issuing licenses for activities such as hunting, fishing, and camping. If the same agency has authority over environmental cleanups, it also may be responsible for issuing licenses for inspectors and businesses that specialize in waste management and removal. Specific boards or divisions within an agency may be responsible for issuing licenses. The licensing process helps to control activity in a variety of ways. License application procedures allow government authorities to screen applicants to verify that they are fit to engage in the particular activity. Before any license is issued by an agency, the applicant must meet certain standards. For example, a person who seeks a driver's license must be at least age 16, must have passed a driver's test and a vision test, and must pay a fee. If an applicant is under age 18, the state department of motor vehicles may require that the applicant obtain the signature of a parent or guardian. If the applicant seeks to drive other than a passenger vehicle, such as a motorcycle or semi-truck, the applicant has to pass tests that relate to the driving of that vehicle and obtain a separate license for driving that vehicle.

The requirements for certain business licenses can be stringent. For example, an insurance adjuster in Maine must be at least 18 years old; be competent, trustworthy, financially responsible, and of good personal and business reputation; pass a written examination on insurance adjusting; and have been employed or have undergone special training for not less than one year in insurance adjustment (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 24-A, § 1853 [West 1995]). The insurance board can investigate any applicant for an insurance adjuster's license and deny an applicant a license if he does not meet the qualifications.

Such rigorous licensing procedures are usually used if the activity places the license holder, or licensee, in a fiduciary relationship, that is, in a position of confidence and trust with other persons. Such activity usually involves the handling of money or health matters, and includes endeavors like medical care, Legal Representation, accounting, insurance, and financial investment.

Requiring a license for a certain activity allows the government to closely supervise and control the activity. The agency responsible for issuing the license can control the number of licensees. This function is important for activities such as hunting, where the licensing of too many hunters may deplete wildlife populations and put hunters in danger of stray bullets.

A license is not a property right, which means that no one has the absolute right to a license. The government may decline to issue a license when it sees fit to do so, provided that the denial does not violate federal or state law. No agency may decline to issue a license on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, or ethnic background.

The denial of a license, the requirement of a license, or the procedures required to obtain a license may be challenged in court. The most frequent court challenges involve licenses pertaining to the operation of a business. Such was the case in FW/PBS v. City of Dallas, 493 U.S. 215, 110 S. Ct. 596, 107 L. Ed. 2d 603 (1990). In FW/PBS three groups of individuals and businesses in the adult entertainment industry filed suit in federal district court challenging a new ordinance passed by the Dallas City Council. The ordinance placed a number of new restrictions on sexually oriented businesses. Among other things it required that owners of sexually oriented businesses obtain a license, renew it each year, and submit to annual inspections.

On appeal, the Supreme Court upheld a requirement that hotels renting rooms for less than ten hours obtain a special license. The Court held that the city of Dallas's evidence that such motels fostered prostitution and led to a deterioration of the neighborhoods in which they existed was adequate justification for the requirement. However, the Court struck down the application of the licensing requirement to businesses engaged in sexually oriented expression, such as adult bookstores, theaters, and cabarets. The activities of these businesses are protected by the First Amendment, and licenses regarding activity protected by the First Amendment must be issued promptly. The Dallas ordinance failed to meet the promptness requirement because it did not limit the time for review of license applications or provide for quick Judicial Review of license denials. Thus, the Court declared it unconstitutional as applied to businesses engaged in expressive activity.

Private Party Licenses

When a landowner allows a person to do work or perform an act on the landowner's property, the visitor has a license to enter the property. This kind of license need not be signed and formalized: it may be oral or it may be implied by the relationship or actions of the parties. For example, a public utility inspector has a license to enter private property for the purposes of maintaining the utility and gauging consumption. In such a case, the grantor of the license, or licensor, owes a duty to the licensee to make sure the premises are safe for the licensee.

Patent and Copyright Holder Licenses

A license granted by the holder of a patent or a copyright on literary or artistic work gives the license holder a limited right to reproduce, sell, or distribute the work. Likewise, the owner of a trademark may give another person a license to use the mark in a region where the owner's goods have not become known and associated with the owner's use of the mark. These Intellectual Property licenses usually require that the licensee pay a fee to the licensor in exchange for use of the property. For example, computer software companies sell licenses to their products. In the licensing agreement users are informed that although they possess a disk containing the software, they have actually only purchased a license to operate it. The license typically forbids giving the software to someone else, making copies of it, or running it on more than one computer at a time.

Cross-references

Hunting; Patent; Tort Law; Trespass.

license

n. 1) governmental permission to perform a particular act (like getting married), conduct a particular business or occupation, operate machinery or vehicle after proving ability to do so safely, or use property for a certain purpose. 2) the certificate that proves one has been granted authority to do something under governmental license. 3) a private grant of right to use real property for a particular purpose, such as putting on a concert. 4) a private grant of the right to use some intellectual property such as a patent or musical composition. (See: licensee, licensor)

LICENSE, contracts. A right given by some competent authority to do an act, which without such authority would be illegal. The instrument or writing which secures this right, is also called a license. Vide Ayl. Parerg, 353; 15 Vin. Ab. 92; Ang. Wat. Co. 61, 85.
2. A license is express or implied. An express license is one which in direct terms authorizes the performance of a certain act; as a license to keep a tavern given by public authority.
3. An implied license is one which though not expressly given, may be presumed from the acts of the party having a right to give it. The following are examples of such licenses: 1. When a man knocks at another's door, and it is opened, the act of opening the door licenses the former to enter the house for any lawful purpose. See Hob. 62. A servant is, in consequence of his employment, licensed to admit to the house, those who come on his master's business, but only such persons. Selw. N. P. 999; Cro. Eliz. 246. It may, however, be inferred from circumstances that the servant has authority to invite whom he pleases to the house, for lawful purposes. See 2 Greenl. Ev. Sec. 427; Entry.
4. A license is either a bare authority, without interest, or it is coupled with an interest. 1. A bare license must be executed by the party to whom it is given in person, and cannot be made over or assigned by him to another; and, being without consideration, may be revoked at pleasure, as long as it remains executory; 39 Hen. VI. M. 12, page 7; but when carried into effect, either partially or altogether, it can only be rescinded, if in its nature it will admit of revocation, by placing the other side in the same situation in which he stood before he entered on its execution. 8 East, R. 308; Palm. 71; S. C. Poph. 151; S. C. 2 Roll. Rep. 143, 152.
5.-2. When the license is coupled with an interest the authority conferred is not properly a mere permission, but amounts to a grant, which cannot be revoked, and it may then be assigned to a third person. 5 Hen. V., M. 1, page 1; 2 Mod. 317; 7 Bing. 693; 8 East, 309; 5 B. & C. 221; 7 D. & R. 783; Crabb on R. P. Sec. 521 to 525; 14 S. & R 267; 4 S. & R. 241; 2 Eq. Cas. Ab. 522. When the license is coupled with an interest, the formalities essential to confer such interest should be observed. Say. R. 3; 6 East, R. 602; 8 East, R. 310, note. See 14 S. & R. 267; 4 S. & R. 241; 2 Eq. Cas. Ab. 522; 11 Ad. & El. 34, 39; S. C. 39 Eng, C. L. R. 19.

LICENSE, International law. An authority given by one of two belligerent parties, to the citizens or subjects of the other, to carry on a specified trade.
2. The effects of the license are to suspend or relax the rules of war to the extent of the authority given. It is the assumption of a state of peace to the extent of the license. In the country which grants them, licenses to carry on a pacific commerce are stricti juris, as being exceptions to the general rule; though they are not to be construed with pedantic accuracy, nor will every small deviation be held to vitiate the fair effect of them. 4 Rob. Rep. 8; Chitty, Law of Nat. 1 to 5, and 260; 1 Kent, Com. 164, 85.

LICENSE, pleading. The name of a plea of justification to an action of trespass. A license must be specially pleaded, and cannot, like liberum tenementum, be given in evidence under the general issue. 2. T. R. 166, 108

license

li·cense

license

li•cense

licence

license

license

license

licence

license

license

be a license to print money

poetic license

artistic license

a license to (do something)

license to do something

poetic license

*(a) right to something

poetic license

license

license,

License

license

licence

license

license

li·cense

License

License

Government Licenses

Private Party Licenses

Patent and Copyright Holder Licenses

Further readings

Cross-references

license

license

license

license

Synonyms for license

verb permit

Synonyms

Antonyms

Synonyms for license

noun the approving of an action, especially when done by one in authority

Synonyms

noun proof of legal permission to do something

Synonyms

noun departure from normal rules or procedures

Synonyms

noun excessive freedom; lack of restraint

Synonyms

verb to give authority to

Synonyms

Synonyms for license

noun a legal document giving official permission to do something

Synonyms

Related Words

noun freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)

Synonyms

Related Words

noun excessive freedom

Synonyms

Related Words

noun the act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization

Synonyms

Related Words

verb authorize officially

Synonyms

Related Words