\A*pol"o*gy\, n.; pl. {Apologies}. [L. apologia, Gr. ?;
? from + ?: cf. F. apologie. See {Apologetic}.]
1. Something said or written in defense or justification of
   what appears to others wrong, or of what may be liable to
   disapprobation; justification; as, Tertullian's Apology
   for Christianity.
         It is not my intention to make an apology for my
         poem; some will think it needs no excuse, and others
         will receive none.                    --Dryden.
2. An acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some
   improper or injurious remark or act; an admission to
   another of a wrong or discourtesy done him, accompanied by
   an expression of regret.
3. Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
         He goes to work devising apologies for window
         curtains.                             --Dickens.
Syn: {Excuse}.
Usage: An apology, in the original sense of the word, was a
       pleading off from some charge or imputation, by
       explaining and defending one's principles or conduct.
       It therefore amounted to a vindication. One who offers
       an apology, admits himself to have been, at least
       apparently, in the wrong, but brings forward some
       palliating circumstance, or tenders a frank
       acknowledgment, by way of reparation. We make an
       apology for some breach of propriety or decorum (like
       rude expressions, unbecoming conduct, etc.), or some
       deficiency in what might be reasonably expected. We
       offer an excuse when we have been guilty of some
       breach or neglect of duty; and we do it by way of
       extenuating our fault, and with a view to be forgiven.
       When an excuse has been accepted, an apology may
       still, in some cases, be necessary or appropriate.
       ``An excuse is not grounded on the claim of innocence,
       but is rather an appeal for favor resting on some
       collateral circumstance. An apology mostly respects
       the conduct of individuals toward each other as
       equals; it is a voluntary act produced by feelings of
       decorum, or a desire for the good opinion of others.''
       --Crabb.

\A*pol"o*gy\, v. i.
To offer an apology. [Obs.]
      For which he can not well apology.       --J. Webster.