English

Verb

license

1. The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization.

   It was decided to license Wikipedia under the GFDL.

2. Authorize officially.

   I am licensed to practice law in this state.

Noun

• licence (Commonwealth)
• license (US)

1. A legal document giving official permission to do something, a permit.
2. The legal terms under which a person is allowed to use a product, especially software.

   Even if you bought this product, it does NOT belong to you. You have a license to use it under the terms of this agreement, until you breach this agreement. [1]

3. Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
4. Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint.

   When liberty becomes license dictatorship is near, Will Durant