permission granted by authority to engage in a particular business, e.g. selling alcoholic drink, or activity, e.g. driving a vehicle, that would otherwise be unlawful
a document giving evidence of such permission
freedom of action
permission to act
freedom claimed by an artist or writer to alter facts or deviate from rules, esp for the sake of the effect gained
poetic licence
freedom that allows or is used with irresponsibility
disregard for rules of propriety or personal conduct
[Middle English via French from Latin licentia, from licent-, licens, present part. of licēre to be permitted]