Absence \Ab"sence\, n. [F., fr. L. absentia. See Absent.]

1. A state of being absent or withdrawn from a place or from companionship; -- opposed to presence.

Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence. --Phil. ii. 12.

2. Want; destitution; withdrawal. ``In the absence of conventional law.'' --Kent.

3. Inattention to things present; abstraction (of mind); as, absence of mind. ``Reflecting on the little absences and distractions of mankind.'' --Addison.

To conquer that abstraction which is called absence. --Landor.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)