mid-14c., "liberty (to do something), leave," from Old French licence "freedom, liberty, power, possibility; permission," (12c.), from Latin licentia "freedom, liberty, license," from licentem (nominative licens), present participle of licere "to be allowed, be lawful," from PIE root *leik- "to offer, bargain" (cognates: Lettish likstu "I come to terms"). Meaning "formal (usually written) permission from authority to do something" (marry, hunt, drive, etc.) is first attested early 15c. Meaning "excessive liberty, disregard of propriety" is from mid-15c. There have been attempts to confine license to verbal use and licence to noun use (compare advise/advice, devise/device.
licence (v.)
c. 1400, "grant formal authorization," from license (n.). Related: Licenced; Licencing.
双语例句
1. It transpired that Paolo had left his driving licence at home.
后来才知道保罗把驾照忘在家里了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. This licence would not allow him to trade as a plc.
这个许可证并不能让他以公开股份有限公司的名义从事贸易。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The painting was returned to Spain on a temporary import licence.
这幅画凭着临时进口许可证被送回了西班牙。
来自柯林斯例句
4. He also had his licence endorsed with eight penalty points.
他的驾驶执照也被扣了8分。
来自柯林斯例句
5. For failing to report the accident, his licence was endorsed.
