licence etymology

Etymology

The word "licence" originates from the Old French word "licence," which derives from the Late Latin word "licentia," meaning "freedom or permission."

Meaning

  • Original meaning: Permission or authorization granted by a government or other authority.
  • Modern meaning:

    • A formal permission or authorization to do something, typically given in writing.
    • The state or condition of being permitted or authorized.
    • A document granting such permission or authorization.
    • A document that allows someone to engage in a specific activity, such as driving or practicing a profession.

Origin

The concept of licence as a form of permission or authorization can be traced back to ancient times. For example, in ancient Rome, individuals were required to obtain a licence from the government to engage in certain activities, such as trading or practicing law.

Over time, the use of licences became more widespread and formalized. In medieval Europe, guilds and other organizations issued licences to their members to control the quality of their work and to limit competition.

The use of licences also expanded to include permission for activities that were not strictly regulated, such as the use of a particular name or logo. In the modern era, licences play a crucial role in many aspects of our lives, from driving and practicing medicine to using intellectual property.

licence relate terms

  • illicit

    Etymology Late Latin illicitus not allowed Latin in not licitus lawful

  • licence

    Etymology The word licence originates from the Old French word licence which derives

  • leisure

    Etymology The word leisure is derived from the Old French word loisir which itself c

  • licence

    Etymology The word licence originates from the Old French word licence which derives

  • pleasure

    Etymology The word pleasure comes from the Middle French word plaisir which is deriv

  • certify

    Etymology The word certify comes from the Old French word certifier which is derive

  • permit

    Etymology The word permit derives from the Latin verb permittere which means to all

  • imprimatur

    Etymology Imprimatur derives from the Latin verb imprimo meaning to print Meaning

  • patent

    Etymology The word patent originates from the Latin term patens meaning open or exp

  • leave

    Etymology The word leave has its origins in the Proto Indo European root leikw meani

  • franchise

    Etymology The word franchise is derived from the Old French word franchise which in

  • approve

    Etymology Middle English approven from Anglo Norman French aprover approvere from L

  • sanction

    Etymology The word sanction comes from the Latin word sancire which means to make s