leisure

Definition

Freedom provided by the cessation of activities.

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.

Example Sentences

• "The desire of leisure is much more natural than of business and care."
• "Little had Mrs. Dashwood or her daughters imagined when they first came into Devonshire, that so many engagements would arise to occupy their time as shortly presented themselves, or that they should have such frequent invitations and such constant visitors as to leave them little leisure for serious employment."
• "This is why the mathematical arts were founded in Egypt; for there the priestly caste was allowed to be at leisure."

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