(v): stop blaming or grant forgiveness
(v): grant exemption or release to
(v): let off the hook
(v): serve as a reason or cause or justification of
(v): show to be right by providing justification or proof
(v): defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
(v): argue or speak in defense of
(v): ask for permission to be released from an engagement
(v): express the need or desire for; ask for
(v): excuse, overlook, or make allowances for; be lenient with
(v): stop blaming or grant forgiveness
(n): a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
(n): the justification for some act or belief
(n): a note explaining an absence
(n): a short personal letter
(n): a poor example
(n): an item of information that is typical of a class or group
"Well, excuuuuuse me! So I forgot my excuse!" said Tom, accusingly.