n a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
n a note explaining an absence
n a poor example
v accept an excuse for
v grant exemption or release to
v serve as a reason or cause or justification of
v defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
v ask for permission to be released from an engagement
v excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
