congé

[ kon-zhey, -jey; French kawn-zhey ]

noun

, plural con·gés [kon, -zheyz, -jeyz, kaw, n, -, zhey].

1. leave-taking; farewell.
2. permission to depart.
3. sudden dismissal.
4. a bow or obeisance.
5. Architecture. a concave molding, as an apophyge, formed by a quadrant curving away from a given surface and terminating perpendicular to a fillet parallel to that surface.

congé

/ ˈkɒnʒeɪ /

noun

1. permission to depart or dismissal, esp when formal
2. a farewell
3. architect a concave moulding See also cavetto

Word History and Origins

Origin of congé¹

From French, dating back to 1695–1705; congee

Word History and Origins

Origin of congé¹

C16: from Old French congié, from Latin commeātus leave of absence, from meātus movement, from meāre to go, pass

Example Sentences

They conversed, however, for nearly an hour before she rose, and Captain Sengoun gracefully accepted his congé.

From Project Gutenberg

It is on record that the day after George's congé Tinkletown indulged in a complete business somersault.

From Project Gutenberg

Cuffe now gave the lieutenant his congé, and then withdrew to the inner-cabin, to prepare a despatch for the rear-admiral.

From Project Gutenberg

At all events, he had received his congé, and there was nothing for it but to go; and go he did, in high dudgeon.

From Project Gutenberg

Are you ready to stand in every borough by virtue of a congé d'élire, and instead of election be satisfied if you are returned?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• escape
• evacuation
• exit
• exodus
• flight
• passage
• removal
• retirement
• retreat
• separation
• takeoff
• walkout
• withdrawal