Alibi

noun 1. (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question

noun 2. a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.; 'he kept finding excuses to stay'; 'every day he had a new alibi for not getting a job'; 'his transparent self-justification was unacceptable'

1. exonerate by means of an alibi

The plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed.; An excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame.

Etymology: From the 18th century, from Latin alibī (“elsewhere, at another place”, adverb). Probably after French alibi, which has this use since the late 14th century.

alibi

Etymology: Inherited from Middle French alibi (14th c.), borrowed from Latin alibī.

alibi

Etymology: 18th century, from Latin alibī, chiefly through French alibi.

alibi

Etymology: Borrowed from Latin alibi.

[[]]alibi

Etymology: Borrowed from Latin alibī.

alibi (plea or mode of defense under which a person on trial for a crime proves or attempts to prove being in another place when the alleged act was committed); alibi (excuse, especially one used to avoid responsibility or blame)

Etymology: Learned borrowing from Latin alibī. First attested in 1802.

alibi; an alibi (excuse, more generally)

alibi

Etymology: Borrowed from Latin alibi.

alibi

Etymology: Borrowed from French alibi.

elsewhere, somewhere else

Etymology: From alius (“other, another”) + ibī.