alibi
noun
- form of defense used in criminal procedure
verb
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L330772 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈæl.ə.baɪ/
noun
Etymology: From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.
- The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.
“to set up an alibi”
“to prove an alibi”
- An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.
“That day in September, I'm sure you can remember / That's when all the stuff hit the fan (the stuff hit the fan) / You told me a lie, and you didn't have an alibi / But baby, yet I still cared”
verb
Etymology: From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.
- To provide an alibi for.
- To provide an excuse for.