indulgence

[ in-duhl-juhns ]

noun

1. the act or practice of indulging; gratification of desire.
2. the state of being indulgent.
3. indulgent allowance or tolerance.

   Synonyms: allowance, forbearance, sufferance

4. a catering to someone's mood or whim; humoring:

   The sick man demanded indulgence as his due.

5. something indulged in:

   Her favorite indulgence was candy.

6. Roman Catholic Church. a partial remission of the temporal punishment, especially purgatorial atonement, that is still due for a sin or sins after absolution. Compare plenary indulgence.
7. English and Scottish History. (in the reigns of Charles II and James II) a grant by the king to Protestant dissenters and Roman Catholics freeing them from certain penalties imposed, by legislation, because of their religion.
8. Commerce. an extension, through favor, of time for payment or performance.

verb (used with object)

, in·dul·genced, in·dul·genc·ing.

1. Roman Catholic Church. to provide with an indulgence:

   an indulgenced pilgrimage to Rome.

indulgence

/ ɪnˈdʌldʒəns /

noun

1. the act of indulging or state of being indulgent
2. a pleasure, habit, etc, indulged in; extravagance

   fur coats are an indulgence

3. liberal or tolerant treatment
4. something granted as a favour or privilege
5. RC Church a remission of the temporal punishment for sin after its guilt has been forgiven
6. commerce an extension of time granted as a favour for payment of a debt or as fulfilment of some other obligation
7. Also calledDeclaration of Indulgence a royal grant during the reigns of Charles II and James II of England giving Nonconformists and Roman Catholics a measure of religious freedom

verb

1. RC Church to designate as providing indulgence

   indulgenced prayers

indulgence

1. In the Roman Catholic Church , a declaration by church authorities that those who say certain prayers or do good deeds will have some or all of their punishment in purgatory remitted.

Notes

In the Middle Ages , indulgences were frequently sold, and the teaching on indulgences was often distorted. The attack by Martin Luther on the sale of indulgences began the Reformation .

Other Words From

• nonin·dulgence noun
• prein·dulgence noun
• rein·dulgence noun
• super·in·dulgence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulgence¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Latin word indulgentia. See indulge, -ence

Example Sentences

In difficult times, optimism is a duty, not an indulgence.

From Slate

And there are ways you can help wake your gut from its sugar "spell" after holiday indulgence.

From Salon

And indulgence is an important part of life, whether it’s a new lipstick, a slice of birthday cake, or coffee with a friend.

From Los Angeles Times

Especially in recent years, these procedures have gone from an indulgence for the wealthy and famous to casual and frequent appointments that cost a few hundred dollars.

From Los Angeles Times

You open the door and get hit with that familiar, piquant draft of deli indulgence, and customers happily volunteer to tell you about their first visits, decades ago, with parents or grandparents.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• extravagance
• kindness
• leniency
• permissiveness
• privilege