Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EX-CUSE', n.

1. A plea offered in extenuation of a fault or irregular deportment; apology. Every man has an excuse to offer for his neglect of duty; the debtor makes excuses for delay of payment.
2. The act of excusing or apologizing.
3. That which excuses; that which extenuates or justifies a fault. His inability to comply with the request must be his excuse.