"by your leave"

Posted by James Briggs on November 06, 2001

In Reply to: "By your leave" posted by Bob Segrell on November 06, 2001

: I don't see "by your leave" phrase listed.
: In back of my mind it means a polite phrase as one passes another while walking.
: Any comments?

It means 'with your permission', 'with your agreement'.
Leave is an oldish word for both of these terms. It's used, or was used, in a variety of contexts, mainly formal and often, allegedly, at Court, if you believe the movies!

See also: the meaning and origin of 'by your leave'.