Ab″sence (�), n. [F., fr. L. absentia. See Absent.] 1. A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; — opposed to presence.
Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence.
Phil. ii. 12.
2. Want; destitution; withdrawal. “In the absence of conventional law.” Kent.
3. Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind); as, absence of mind. “Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.” Addison.
To conquer that abstraction which is called absence.
Landor.