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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Apology \A*pol"o*gy\, n.; pl. {Apologies}. [L. apologia, Gr. ?;
? from ?: cf. F. apologie. See {Apologetic}.]
1. Something said or written in defense or justification of
what appears to others wrong, or of what may be liable to
disapprobation; justification; as, Tertullian's Apology
for Christianity.
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It is not my intention to make an apology for my
poem; some will think it needs no excuse, and others
will receive none. --Dryden.
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2. An acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some
improper or injurious remark or act; an admission to
another of a wrong or discourtesy done him, accompanied by
an expression of regret.
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3. Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
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He goes to work devising apologies for window
curtains. --Dickens.
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Syn: {Excuse}.

Usage: An apology, in the original sense of the word, was a
pleading off from some charge or imputation, by
explaining and defending one's principles or conduct.
It therefore amounted to a vindication. One who offers
an apology, admits himself to have been, at least
apparently, in the wrong, but brings forward some
palliating circumstance, or tenders a frank
acknowledgment, by way of reparation. We make an
apology for some breach of propriety or decorum (like
rude expressions, unbecoming conduct, etc.), or some
deficiency in what might be reasonably expected. We
offer an excuse when we have been guilty of some
breach or neglect of duty; and we do it by way of
extenuating our fault, and with a view to be forgiven.
When an excuse has been accepted, an apology may
still, in some cases, be necessary or appropriate. "An
excuse is not grounded on the claim of innocence, but
is rather an appeal for favor resting on some
collateral circumstance. An apology mostly respects
the conduct of individuals toward each other as
equals; it is a voluntary act produced by feelings of
decorum, or a desire for the good opinion of others."
--Crabb.
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Apology \A*pol"o*gy\, v. i.
To offer an apology. [Obs.]
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For which he can not well apology. --J. Webster.
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