late 14c., "pretext, justification," from Old French excuse, from excuser "apologize, make excuses" (see excuse (v.)). The sense of "that which serves as a reason for being excused" is recorded from mid-15c.

What is the real meaning of excuse?

1 : the act of excusing. 2a : something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused. b excuses plural : an expression of regret for failure to do something. c : a note of explanation of an absence.

What does giving excuses mean?

An excuse is an explanation for something that went wrong. When we give an excuse, we're trying to get someone to cut us some slack. ... It's generally a reason for behavior: A note from your parents saying you have a doctor's appointment can excuse you from school for the day.