Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Absence
1.
A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; – opposed to
presence
. Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my
absence
. Phil. ii. 12.
2.
Want; destitution; withdrawal.
“In the absence of conventional law.” Kent.
3.
Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind);
“Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.” as,
. absence
of mindAddison.
To conquer that abstraction which is called
absence
. Landor.
Webster 1828 Edition
Absence
AB'SENCE
,Noun.
1.
A state of being at a distance in place, or not in company. It is used to denote any distance indefinitely, either in the same town, or country, or in a foreign country; and primarily supposes a prior presence. 'Speak well of one in his absence.'2.
Want; destitution; implying no previous presence. 'In the absence of conventional law.'3.
In law, non-appearance; a not being in court to answer.4.
Heedlessness; inattention to things present. Absence of mind is the attention of the mind to a subject which does not occupy the rest of the company, and which draws the mind from things or objects which are present, to others distant or foreign.