French leave
English
Etymology
The Oxford English Dictionary records: "the custom (in the 18th century prevalent in France and sometimes imitated in England) of going away from a reception, etc. without taking leave of the host or hostess. Hence, jocularly, to take French leave is to go away, or do anything, without permission or notice."
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
French leave (uncountable)
- A sudden or unannounced departure, or one taken without permission. [from 1770s]
- 1771, Tobias Smollett, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker:
- He stole away an Irishman's bride, and took a French leave of me and his master.
- 2010, William Marvel, The Great Task Remaining: The Third Year of Lincoln's War, page 10:
- he may have felt a particular need to mitigate the responsibility of those who shirked their duty, for as he wrote that letter he had just returned from French leave himself.
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Coordinate terms
- duck out
See also
- AWOL
- disappearing act
Translations
sudden or unannounced departure
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