‖Con′gé″ (kôN′zhā̍″; E. kŏn″jē; 277), n. [F., leave, permission, fr. L. commeatus a going back and forth, a leave of absence, furlough, fr. commeare, -meatum, to go and come; com- + meare to go. Cf. Permeate.] [Formerly written congie.] 1. The act of taking leave; parting ceremony; farewell; also, dismissal.
Should she pay off old Briggs and give her her congé?
Thackeray.
2. The customary act of civility on any occasion; a bow or a courtesy.
The captain salutes you with congé profound.
Swift.
3. (Arch.) An apophyge. Gwilt.
‖Congé d'élire (�) (Eccl.), the sovereign's license or permission to a dean and chapter to choose as bishop the person nominated in the missive.