What does the word excuse mean?

Usage examples for excuse

  1. He made the excuse that he did not wish to start till there was a clear road. – The Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith by George Meredith
  2. But there is some little excuse this time. – The Black Robe by Wilkie Collins
  3. Excuse me, Lady Anne. – Mary Gray by Katharine Tynan