Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Absent
Ab′sent
,Adj.
1.
Being away from a place; withdrawn from a place; not present.
“Expecting absent friends.” Shak.
2.
Not existing; lacking;
as, the part was rudimental or
. absent
3.
Inattentive to what is passing; absent-minded; preoccupied;
as, an
. absent
airWhat is commonly called an
absent
man is commonly either a very weak or a very affected man. Chesterfield.
Syn. –
Absent
, Abstracted
. These words both imply a lack of attention to surrounding objects. We speak of a man as absent when his thoughts wander unconsciously from present scenes or topics of discourse; we speak of him as abstracted when his mind (usually for a brief period) is drawn off from present things by some weighty matter for reflection. Absence of mind is usually the result of loose habits of thought; abstraction commonly arises either from engrossing interests and cares, or from unfortunate habits of association.
Ab-sent′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Absented
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Absenting
.] [Cf. F.
absenter
.] 1.
To take or withdraw (one’s self) to such a distance as to prevent intercourse; – used with the reflexive pronoun.
If after due summons any member
absents
himself, he is to be fined. Addison.
2.
To withhold from being present.
[Obs.]
“Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more.” Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Absent
AB'SENT
,Adj.
1.
Not present; not in company; at such a distance as to prevent communication. It is used also for being in a foreign country.A gentleman is absent on his travels.
Absent from one another. Gen. 31:49.
2.
Heedless; inattentive to persons present, or to subjects of conversation in company.An absent man is uncivil to the company.
3.
In familiar language, not at home; as, the master of the house is absent. In other words, he does not wish to be disturbed by company.