leisure

Etymology

From Middle English leyser, from Anglo-Norman leisir, variant of Old French loisir (“to enjoy oneself”) (Modern French loisir survives as a noun), substantive use of a verb, from Latin licēre (“be permitted”). Displaced native Old English ǣmetta.

noun

  1. Freedom provided by the cessation of activities.
  2. Free time, time free from work or duties.
    The desire of leisure is much more natural than of business and care. 1672, William Temple, An Essay Upon the Original and Nature of Government
    This is why the mathematical arts were founded in Egypt; for there the priestly caste was allowed to be at leisure. 1908, Aristotle, translated by William David Ross, Metaphysics
  3. Time at one's command, free from engagement; convenient opportunity; hence, convenience; ease.

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