Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AB'SENT, a.

1. Not present; not in company; at such a distance as to prevent communication. It is used also for being in a foreign country; as, a gentleman is absent on his travels. Absent from one another. – Gen. xxxi. 49.
2. Heedless; inattentive to persons present, or to subjects of conversation in company; as, 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.