French leave

American  

[french leev] / ˈfrɛntʃ ˈliv /

noun

1. Sometimes Offensive. a departure without saying goodbye, asking permission, or giving notice.

   During the Civil War, many men deserted or took French leave.

   Early in the wedding reception I had to take French leave to address a family crisis.

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French leave British  

noun

1. an unauthorized or unannounced absence or departure

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Etymology

Origin of French leave

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

My efforts at French leave me at once inert and exhausted, as though I’ve been dog-paddling in a pool of standing water.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 1, 2016

Spain sent Pedro Menéndez de Avilés to make the French leave Florida.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

Furious, Michelangelo took French leave of Rome, and it was seven months before he was reconciled.

From Time Magazine Archive

"If the French leave, there will be no protection," he says.

From Time Magazine Archive

“It’s my opinion that missus has taken French leave, and she’s going to steal a march on them both.”

From The Little Vanities of Mrs. Whittaker A Novel by Winter, John Strange