[ˈlʌɪsns], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic drink)
(e.g: a gun licence)

- freedom to behave as one wishes, especially in a way which results in excessive or unacceptable behaviour
(e.g: the government was criticized for giving the army too much licence)


Phrases:
- licence to print money

Origin:
late Middle English: via Old French from Latin licentia ‘freedom, licentiousness’ (in medieval Latin ‘authority, permission’), from licere ‘be lawful or permitted’