Absence
King James Dictionary [1]
AB'SENCE, n. L. absens, from absum, abesse, to be away ab and sum.
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.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): (n.) Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind); as, absence of mind.
(2): (n.) Want; destitution; withdrawal.
(3): (n.) A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; - opposed to presence.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
In the matter of absence from official duties, the Council of Basle ordered that a certain part of the fruits of the Church should be given only to those canons who reside. The Council of Trent permits canons to be absent three months in each year without incurring the penalty of absence. Bishops are supposed always to have a lawful cause for absence, and have the privilege of taking with them two dignitaries or canons, who shall not be liable to the penalties of absence. (See Residence).
